As educators, we have all been part of curriculum implementation in our schools or classrooms. Also, if you work in any other business, there are often changes that have a major impact on your work. Please recall an example of a change that did not go well and identify the cause of the failure. In the text, you read about tactics for success and problems that cause failure. The answer should reflect your understanding of the content and refer to specific text suggestions on change. If you do not recall an example, discuss some of the factors that affect the implementation of change. This should be course-content related. 25 points
- Are the Texas tests for public school children, such as the STAAR tests, considered more criterion-referenced or norm-referenced tests or both? Explain. 5 points
- A. Should our public policy-makers who push for educational change, have to study more about the nature of schools and curriculum? If you could select anything from this course to teach a policy-maker, what might it be? 10 points
B. You have looked at the impact of the foundations on the curriculum, organization, implementation, and evaluation. Out of this content, is there anything in a formal study of curriculum that should be relayed to the public? 10 points
- The curriculum in our schools is founded on foundations from four areas (philosophical, historical, psychological, and sociological). These are discussed in detail in the curriculum theory. Please identify the four foundation areas, and describe one and its importance today. Include direct classroom evidence or your education experience. Therefore, your discussion goes from theory to practice.(Example: Societal Foundations=drug/alcohol education lessons in the curriculum) 25 points
- The text describes several curricula, development models. If you were leading a curriculum development project, which model seems most compatible with your philosophy of education and knowledge of curriculum development? Explain why you would follow the particular model. 15points
- What is the difference between formative and summative evaluation? Explain, briefly. 5 points
Full Answer Section
- Decoding the Texas STAAR Tests:
The Texas STAAR tests primarily fall under the criterion-referenced category. These assessments measure student performance against predetermined standards and benchmarks, aiming to evaluate their mastery of specific skills and knowledge within a particular grade level or subject area. While STAAR incorporates some elements of norm-referencing through percentile rankings, its primary focus lies on individual mastery against established criteria, aligning with its function as a tool for measuring curriculum effectiveness.
- Educating Educators of Change:
- Policymakers and the Power of Knowledge:
Absolutely, policymakers shaping educational change should delve deeper into the intricate world of schools and curriculum. By understanding the complex web of philosophical, historical, psychological, and sociological factors influencing curriculum development and implementation, they can formulate policies that are more attuned to the realities of the classroom. From this course, I believe equipping policymakers with insights into curriculum models, assessment practices, and the importance of stakeholder engagement would be invaluable. A deeper grasp of these nuances can lead to more informed, adaptable, and ultimately, successful educational policies.
- A Legacy for the Public:
From the exploration of curriculum foundations, a crucial message for the public lies in recognizing the dynamic and interconnected nature of curriculum. Understanding how philosophical currents, historical contexts, psychological theories, and societal shifts constantly shape and reshape educational content empowers the public to engage with curriculum development in a more informed and meaningful way. Sharing these insights can foster greater collaboration between schools, communities, and policymakers, collectively shaping a robust and responsive educational landscape.
- Foundations in Focus: Bridging Theory and Practice:
- Philosophical Foundations: These foundations guide the overall purpose and values of education. For example, a focus on progressivism, as evident in project-based learning and student-centered classrooms, encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world application of knowledge. In my classroom, implementing project-based learning units on environmental sustainability fosters student engagement, inquiry-based learning, and a sense of agency in tackling real-world problems.
- Historical Foundations: Examining the evolution of educational systems helps us understand how past philosophies and events continue to shape contemporary practices. For example, recognizing the influence of John Dewey's progressive ideology on student-centered classrooms allows us to appreciate the continuous evolution of educational philosophies and their practical implications.
- Psychological Foundations: These foundations explore how students learn and develop, informing effective instructional strategies. Understanding developmental cognitive theories, such as Piaget's stages of cognitive development, helps us tailor our teaching methods to match the cognitive abilities of our students, optimizing learning experiences.
- Sociological Foundations: Examining the social context of education sheds light on factors like cultural differences, inequalities, and power dynamics within the learning environment. Recognizing the impact of socioeconomic disparities on student achievement allows us to implement strategies that promote equity and inclusivity in our classrooms.
- Choosing a Development Model:
My educational philosophy emphasizes collaborative learning, constructivism, and student agency. Therefore, the Tyler Rationale Model resonates most with me. This model, with its emphasis on defining clear learning objectives, involving stakeholders in development, and employing formative assessment, aligns perfectly with my vision for an engaging and responsive curriculum. The collaborative nature of this model fosters ownership and investment among stakeholders, leading to a more effective and dynamic curriculum.
- Assessing Effectiveness: Formative vs. Summative:
Formative assessment is an ongoing process, providing feedback throughout the learning journey. It involves tools like quizzes, observations, and peer reviews, aiming to diagnose areas needing improvement and guide adjustments in instruction. Conversely, summative assessment evaluates learning at the end of a unit or course, typically through standardized tests or final projects. It serves as a final measure of understanding but lacks the immediacy and adaptability of formative approaches.
By reflecting on past challenges, understanding assessment tools, and advocating for informed policymaking, we can collectively navigate the intricate world of curriculum implementation, fostering learning environments that empower and inspire future generations.
Sample Answer
As an educator, I vividly recall the implementation of a new technology platform designed to integrate digital learning tools into our curriculum. While ambitious, its rollout was plagued by issues, ultimately hindering its effectiveness. The primary culprit, in hindsight, was inadequate preparation. The platform was introduced with minimal teacher training, leaving many feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Additionally, limited technical support compounded the challenges, leading to confusion and inconsistent application among teachers. This lack of sufficient planning and support, as highlighted in the course materials, directly contributed to the initiative's shortcomings.