TMP 6053 RETHINKING MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM

CURICULUM REFORM

 Curriculum reforms are typically top-down reforms Reform a massive system-wide effort is required that engages parents, communities as well as policy-makers

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 Reform is typically used to refer to change instituted from above (Bourke, 1994) Government decision-making can reform education Curriculum reform is really about change to content and organization of what is taught, within the constraints of social, economic and political contexts (Kennedy, 1995)
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 Reform of schooling over past decades (Lingard et al, 1993).

Some examples of reform:

devolution of responsibilities to school principals and

school councils
school-based curriculum development within national frameworks

downgrading external support service for school

increased school governance auditing of schools

centrally defined policy guidelines

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Some examples of reform in Malaysia ??

CURRICULUM KBSR KBSM Smart Schools PPSMI Transformasi kurikulum (KSSM/KSSR)

 Governments
Teacher Unions Media

Academics
Industry

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 OECD sponsored an International School Improvement Projects (ISIP, 1982) involved 14 countries, and examined: the role of school leaders

External support
school-based review

research and evaluation

policy development and implementation
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 Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA)

Teacher Education and Development Study in

Mathematics (TEDS-M)

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 In UK The National Curriculum introduced in 1988 was based on the Right ideology of a market economy and a consumer-oriented emphasis. In New Zealand based on neo-liberal principles of individualism, deregulation, corporatism, and privatization. In USA strong interest in national standards and the need to develop a core knowledge and skills that all students should be taught.

In Malaysia Standard Guru Malaysia (SGM)

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 Four main categories (Plank, 1988) 1.Additive reforms

2.External reforms
3.Regulatory reforms 4.Structural reforms

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Additive reforms
Involve additional resources and do not affect the organizational character of schools.
Examples: Fully-funded computer literacy programme pre-school initiatives Increased salaries

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External reforms
Concentrate upon teachers entering the system or students leaving the system.
Examples: Higher test for pre-service teachers Certification changes New high school graduation requirement

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Regulatory reforms
Seek changes in schools but not necessarily affecting the basic structure. The emphasis is upon more time and effort to achieve higher students achievements. Examples:
Longer school day Longer school year more basic skills

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Structural reforms
Require alterations to the structure and operation of school.
Examples: Smaller class Competency tests for teachers

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a) Give examples of reforms that have been proposed over the decades to solve a

particular curriculum problem (Plank, 1988).

b) Have any proposals been more successful

than others? Give reasons.

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