Curriculum is a Funny Word
by Randy Ewing
February 11, 2008
What is a curriculum? Webster’s Dictionary defines curriculum as: “all of the courses, collectively, offered in a school, college, etc., or in a particular subject.” Curriculum is also sometimes referred to as the “what” of school – “what” students need to learn.
Fenwick English, a nationally recognized expert on curriculum, has determined curriculum can be subdivided into three categories: the written curriculum, the taught curriculum and the assessed curriculum. A written curriculum covers all elements of the curriculum from national standards to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. It also would include the written components at the district level.
The taught curriculum is what happens in the classroom. What did the teacher decide to use for resources to help the student learn the written curriculum. The third type of curriculum is the assessed curriculum. This type refers to what the knowledge and skills look like when they are applied. The assessed curriculum can take many forms - from a Unit Test to a homework assignment to a project to the TAKS test.
One of the key ideas about curriculum is making certain the three types match. Once it is determined what should be learned, it is important classroom activities are designed to help students understand the key concepts. Determining whether the key concepts are understood happens in the design of the assessment. This process is called curriculum alignment. An aligned curriculum may well be the most important educational advantage we can provide students to help insure their success. This funny word has serious meaning when it comes to student success. To help Lytle ISD achieve this goal we have joined a consortium of school districts and education service centers to help provide such a curriculum. The next issue will offer more information about this effort.
