CURRICULUM ISSUES, CONCERNS AND RESPONSES by: Rodrigo B. Javier and Purita P.

Bilbao

understand the changes. Those who are directly involved merely follow hook line and sinker. This is called regimentation.

Circular Issues and Concerns

Poor academic performance of learners. Issues on the varied implementation of the curriculum among schools and teachers seem to be one of the reasons for the prevailing low performance of schools all over the country. There is perennial complaint about books and other instructional materials. Overcrowded classrooms do not provide a good learning environment. In addition, the teacher has been identified as one of the influencing factors in the varied implementation of the curriculum. Issues like ill prepared teachers poor attitude towards change and low morale have been thrown to teachers. Leadership support from principals is also mentioned. Curricular innovations lack the sense of ownership from stakeholders. Most of the curricular innovations are handed down from the top management. Those who are going to implement simply tow the line or follow blindly. Sometimes the implementers lack of full understanding of the changes or modifications that they are doing. The goal is unclear ,thus there are lot of questions in the implementation as well as evaluation from the concerned persons. Some curricular are results of bandwagon but are not well supported by managers. In the desire of some schools to be part of the global educational scenario, changes and innovations are drastically implemented even if the school is not ready. Lack of monitoring and evaluation Inadequate monitoring activities to find out the curricular strengths or weaknesses and problems are being encountered. Innovations results to teacher burn out With so many new changes taking place in the curriculum, many teachers are getting burn out. They got tired easily and motivation is very low. It is because they cannot cope with rapid changes that take place. Innovations are not communicated at all Only the managers or the proponents Responses to Issues and Concerns The BEC is an example of an innovation that tries to address the continuous decline in learner's performance in basic education. In the installation of a new curriculum, all stakeholders should be involved. Even in the planning stage, consultations should be held. This process will provide each interested sector or persons to help make decisions as to whether the innovation will be introduced or not. There is a respond to the fast changing times in terms of school curriculum innovations. A thorough study should be made to establish readiness for all concerned. Initial preparation for the implementation to ensure the provision of the necessary materials and appropriate knowledge about the innovation should be assured. Collaboration in the implementation of a new curriculum is very necessary. General practice seems to show that when a new curriculum is introduced, it ends without result.

References: Javier, Rodrigo B., Purita B. Bilbao: Curriculum Development: Module V,Addressing the Future. Lesson 2, Curriculum Issues, Concerns and Responses