Curriculum Development and Design Flashcards

A school adopts a competency-based curriculum model. What is the defining feature of this approach?

Answer: Students progress upon demonstrating mastery of defined competencies

Competency-based curricula require students to demonstrate mastery of specific skills or knowledge before advancing, rather than progressing by time spent.

Which curriculum design approach organizes learning around student interests and real-life experiences rather than academic disciplines?

Answer: Learner-centered design

Learner-centered curriculum design places student interests, needs, and experiences at the core of instructional planning.

A curriculum coordinator is conducting a needs assessment before revising the science curriculum. What is the PRIMARY purpose of a needs assessment?

Answer: To identify gaps between current student performance and desired outcomes

A needs assessment identifies the discrepancy between where students currently are and where the curriculum intends them to be, guiding revision priorities.

Which statement BEST describes the relationship between curriculum and instruction?

Answer: Curriculum defines what is to be learned; instruction defines how it will be taught

Curriculum refers to the planned content and learning goals, while instruction refers to the methods and strategies used to deliver that curriculum.

A middle school team wants to ensure their curriculum helps students transfer knowledge to new situations. According to Wiggins and McTighe, which type of understanding reflects this ability?

Answer: Transfer of learning

Wiggins and McTighe identify transfer as the highest form of understanding — the ability to apply learning independently in new and varied contexts.

A school's curriculum committee is reviewing materials for cultural bias. Which question BEST guides this review?

Answer: Are diverse perspectives, experiences, and groups accurately and equitably represented?

Reviewing for cultural bias requires examining whether curriculum materials represent diverse groups fairly, accurately, and inclusively without stereotyping or omission.

In Massachusetts, curriculum must align with the state's Curriculum Frameworks. If a district's local curriculum significantly exceeds these frameworks, what is the MOST appropriate course of action?

Answer: Retain the enriched content as long as state standards are fully addressed

Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks set minimum expectations; districts may teach additional content beyond these standards as long as all framework requirements are met.