Standards-Based Curriculum
Developing a standards-based curriculum requires changes in the way teachers
teach and schools are run, so care must be taken to build capacity for all educators
and to provide adequate time for implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the
curriculum. The curriculum-development process also should provide opportunities
for reflection and revision so that the curriculum is updated and improved on a
regular basis.
A standards-based curriculum includes not only goals, objectives, and standards, but
everything that is done to enable attainment of those outcomes and, at the same
time, foster reflection and revision of the curriculum to ensure students' continued
growth. Curriculum development is most successful when educators collaborate with
parents, community members, and students. In fact, all stakeholders need to share
their expertise in creating a curriculum based on high standards for student learning.
In effect, development of a standards-based curriculum must be considered in the
context of school reform, which includes not only curriculum, instruction, and
assessment but also professional development, parent and community involvement,
instructional leadership, and the use of technology and other resources. What goals
or standards will the curriculum address? How will students demonstrate an
understanding of these concepts or goals? How will technology be integrated into
the curriculum to aid instruction? How will teachers be prepared and supported as
they implement changes? These questions will be addressed as the curriculum is
developed.