1.3.3 CURRICULUM AS FRAMEWORK

Curriculum as framework

Another alternative to often relatively fixed content based curriculum has been so called framework curriculum that only sets an objectives and provides broad guidelines for actual curriculum planning.

Framework curriculum is normally a comprehensive document that describes the overall aims of schooling, more specific goals of education, and objectives of teaching subjects or integrated subject groups. The purpose of such a framework curriculum is to leave decision making and curriculum planning authority to local education authorities, schools and teachers themselves.

In the cases when framework curriculum model has been adopted, the Government has often regulated other system inputs, such as time allocation for various subjects, financing, and other mandatory requirements related to arranging teaching and learning.

Framework curriculum model that only describes the process of curriculum designs that takes place locally and sets the general aims, goals and objectives, fit poorly to the consequential accountability movement that focuses on inspection, accreditation based on results, and achievement-driven funding of education.