Week+5+Discussion+5335

 My philosophy of curriculum is any set of clear and concise objectives taught to students. I believe that a set curriculum is necessary to ensure students receive an equitable education. Because the state outlines specific elements and learning objectives for each course required to graduate from high school, consistency has increased greatly from district to district. As a teacher, it is important to teach the specific objectives of the curriculum and to expect all others teaching the same subject are also doing it. It is their job.   My definition of curriculum is a set of goals, expectations, and required skills a certain course must teach. I think it is extremely important to maintain consistency among courses from district to district across the state to ensure everyone is receiving the same basic education. Since completing this course, I have only strengthened my enthusiasm for this opinion.   The relationship between written, taught, and tested curricula is apparent. The state mandates what is to be taught in the TEKS. This defines the curriculum for each course and ensures the course has the same expectations from school to school and district to district. Teachers do have some creative control over how the TEKS are to be taught, but must teach the same elements nonetheless as the state mandated assessments will determine whether student success has been achieved. If student achievement is to be measured, there must be clear and stated objectives as well as a way to determine if those objectives are being met. This is the only way improvements can be made if student success is below expectations.
 * What is your philosophy of curriculum? How did you develop this philosophy? **
 * In the Week 1 discussion, you defined curriculum. Is your definition the same, or has it changed since completing this course? **
 * What should be the relationship between written, taught, and tested curricula? Why is this relationship critical to campus improvement? **