EDAM 5305EDAM 5305

Chapter 7 Chapter 7

Rethinking the Rethinking the Program of StudiesProgram of Studies

Program of StudiesProgram of Studies

In developing the program of In developing the program of studies, the principal and the studies, the principal and the faculty have two choices:faculty have two choices:– renew the program of studies by fine renew the program of studies by fine

tuning the existing program tuning the existing program – Restructure the program of studiesRestructure the program of studies

Useful ProcessUseful Process

the school faces an accrediting review the school faces an accrediting review the student body changesthe student body changes staff turnover is highstaff turnover is high student achievement has not improved student achievement has not improved the school is in a school improvement status the school is in a school improvement status State Board of Education or district action State Board of Education or district action

has introduced new curriculum has introduced new curriculum requirementsrequirements

New leadership creates for a climate of New leadership creates for a climate of changechange

Reviewing an Existing Reviewing an Existing Program of StudiesProgram of Studies The principal and the faculty The principal and the faculty

should consider renewing the should consider renewing the existing program when they existing program when they believe only believe only minor changesminor changes are are needed or when needed or when resources are resources are limitedlimited..

Renewing an Existing Renewing an Existing ProgramProgram1. Develop the knowledge base1. Develop the knowledge base2. Identify the constraints and resources2. Identify the constraints and resources3. Determine the criteria to be used in 3. Determine the criteria to be used in

evaluating the present program of studiesevaluating the present program of studies4. Use the criteria in designing a 4. Use the criteria in designing a

comprehensive evaluationcomprehensive evaluation5. Systematize data, make final assessments 5. Systematize data, make final assessments

for each criterion and report results in a for each criterion and report results in a public documentpublic document

6. Discuss the final report with parents and 6. Discuss the final report with parents and teachers and prepare a strategy for actionteachers and prepare a strategy for action

Restructuring the Restructuring the Program of StudiesProgram of Studies Restructuring is a radical process Restructuring is a radical process

of re-conceptualizing and of re-conceptualizing and redesigning an entire program of redesigning an entire program of studies. studies.

Under NCLB, restructuring is an Under NCLB, restructuring is an option for schools under school option for schools under school improvement sanctions. improvement sanctions.

Goals of RestructuringGoals of Restructuring

Redefine the nature of general Redefine the nature of general education by specifying what all education by specifying what all students should know, emphasizing students should know, emphasizing outcomes, not courses and creditsoutcomes, not courses and credits

Rethink the way learning Rethink the way learning experiences should be organized to experiences should be organized to accomplish those outcomes by accomplish those outcomes by ignoring existing subject matter ignoring existing subject matter distinctionsdistinctions

Current Approaches Current Approaches

Sizers (2004)Sizers (2004) America’s ChoiceAmerica’s Choice Gardner’s Multiple IntelligencesGardner’s Multiple Intelligences Ways of KnowingWays of Knowing The ComerThe Comer Success for AllSuccess for All Accelerated SchoolsAccelerated Schools The Copernican PlanThe Copernican Plan

Other Programs of Other Programs of Study (Different Study (Different Approaches)Approaches)

– International Baccalaureate (IB) International Baccalaureate (IB) Program with the IB DiplomaProgram with the IB Diploma

– American Diploma Project (ADP)American Diploma Project (ADP)– Advance Placement (AP) ProgramsAdvance Placement (AP) Programs– Early College High SchoolsEarly College High Schools

A Homegrown ProcessA Homegrown Process

Identify the general educational goalsIdentify the general educational goals Review educational goalsReview educational goals Identify the new organizing structuresIdentify the new organizing structures BrainstormBrainstorm Identify models of teachingIdentify models of teaching Develop a matrixDevelop a matrix Summarize resultsSummarize results Develop sample weekly scheduleDevelop sample weekly schedule Develop scope and sequenceDevelop scope and sequence Use scope and sequence to write new units Use scope and sequence to write new units

of studies, lesson plans and assessmentsof studies, lesson plans and assessments

Chapter Summary Chapter Summary

Both renewing and restructuring the program Both renewing and restructuring the program of studies have their own advantages.of studies have their own advantages.

Renewing is simpler, takes less time, uses Renewing is simpler, takes less time, uses fewer resources, and is less risky for all fewer resources, and is less risky for all involved.involved.

Restructuring is systemic, comprehensive, Restructuring is systemic, comprehensive, and bolder in conception.and bolder in conception.

The curriculum development process The curriculum development process engages the whole school, creates engages the whole school, creates conversations around curriculum design and conversations around curriculum design and redesign, and fosters ownership by redesign, and fosters ownership by stakeholders.stakeholders.