Curriculum implementation

Chapter 5: Curriculum Implementation

Introduction

  • Focus on implementing curriculum as explained by various scholars in curriculum studies.

  • Target audience: educators and pre-service teacher education students; contextual focus on the Philippines.

Objectives

  • Identify different curriculum workers.

  • Analyze different levels of curriculum implementation.

  • Discuss factors to consider in curriculum implementation.

Curriculum Implementation

Definition

  • Curriculum implementation: process of carrying out the curriculum from a national level to a local school context.

  • Describes the dynamics of how curriculum workers strive to achieve educational goals and policies set across different educational levels.

  • Each level has specific functions and roles in curriculum implementation.

Influences on Implementation

  • Influenced by government/school educational goals and curriculum philosophy.

  • Not all curricula are implemented perfectly; problems frequently arise during implementation due to various influencing factors.

Curriculum Workers

Importance

  • Success/failure of curriculum is heavily dependent on personnel (curriculum workers) involved in implementation.

  • Oliva (2005) identifies curriculum workers as key players who use their expertise, creativity, and dedication to achieve curriculum goals.

Key Curriculum Workers

  • Teachers

    • Most visible curriculum workers, crucial implementers of the curriculum.

    • Responsible for lesson plans, instructional materials, and assessing student progress.

    • Factors affecting implementation: educational background, teaching style, personality.

  • Principals

    • Serve as chief academic and administrative officers; provide leadership to teachers.

    • Roles: planning school activities, ensuring educational goals are met, checking lesson plans, and supervising instruction.

    • Collaborate with parents and community leaders.

  • Curriculum Consultants

    • Provide expertise in curriculum planning, development, and evaluation.

  • District Supervisors

    • Supervise curriculum implementation at the district level.

    • Support public school principals in ensuring adherence to Department of Education programs.

  • Education Supervisors

    • Specialize in specific subject areas; support district education offices.

  • Division Superintendents

    • Chief academic officers at the division level, overseeing curriculum implementation in public and private schools.

  • Regional Directors

    • Manage educational programs at the regional level.

  • Educational Program Specialists

    • Work at national level; assist in developing curriculum policies.

  • Technical Panels & Committees

    • Composed of experts assisting in curriculum development and policy formulation.

Influence of Curriculum Workers on Implementation

  • Posner (1995), Walker (1971) highlighted the significance of curriculum worker philosophies and expertise in implementation.

  • Curriculum workers act as leaders, providing directions and managing programs at various educational levels.

Levels of Curriculum Implementation

Centralized System in the Philippines

  • Curriculum implemented from national to local levels, with each level having specific bureaucracy roles.

  • National level sets overall policies, but regional and local levels have empowered planning and evaluation roles.

Government Hierarchy

  • National Level: Leadership from Secretary of Education oversees national policies and educational plans.

  • Regional Level: Develops regional policies, standards, and manages region-wide projects.

  • Division Level: Implements educational development plans.

  • School District Level: Provides support and supervision for schools.

  • School Level: Implements curriculum, manages resources, and aims for educational outcomes.

Implementation of K-12 Education Program

  • Efforts to ensure a smooth K-12 implementation under Republic Act 10533.

  • Enhanced Basic Education Act (2013) includes Kindergarten and Senior High School to meet international standards.

Higher Education System

CHED Structure and Responsibilities

  • Established under Republic Act No. 7722, overseeing higher education.

  • Central offices focusing on policy development, while regional offices monitor compliance.

  • Expertise from Technical Panels assists in curriculum matters.

Academic Freedom in Higher Education

  • Influences curriculum development; varying approval processes across institutions.

Vocational and Technical Courses

  • Administered by TESDA; focuses on competency-based curricula and training requirements.

Considerations for Curriculum Implementation

  • Must be systematically planned; various factors need careful consideration:

  1. Government Requirements: Compliance with mandates from educational authorities.

  2. School Philosophy and Values: Align curriculum with school’s mission and vision.

  3. Learning Environment: Ensure adequate facilities such as classrooms and laboratories.

  4. Societal Needs: Address local community needs through the curriculum.

  5. Student Needs: Consider interests and profiles of students in course planning.

  6. Faculty Expertise: Faculty's qualifications and capabilities are crucial for successful implementation.

  7. Changing Knowledge: Stay updated on theories and research that might influence curriculum.

Expert Influences on Implementation

  • Influential factors emphasized by experts (Tyler, Sowell, Ornstein & Hunkins, etc.) in the planning and evaluating curriculum.

  • Success in curriculum implementation attributed to effective planning and resource management at all educational levels.

Conclusion

  • Continuous efforts by the Department of Education to enhance the curriculum implementation in the Philippines to ensure quality education.