Taking issue
As promised, I will be talking to some special people. My guest this month is Linda Chisholm, chair of the review committee on Curriculum 2005 and the ministerial project committee on curriculum implementation.
How far have we come since the review of Curriculum 2005?
Following the release of the review committee report in May last year and the approval by the council of education ministers and cabinet in June and July 2001 of the main recommendations for streamlining the curriculum, a process was set in motion to produce a streamlined and simplified curriculum. The proposal was for the production of learning area statements, which would state clearly the expectations and requirements at different grades within outcomes-based education (OBE).
What are the learning area statements?
These are not complete. Each learning area statement consists of an introduction to the learning area, learning outcomes to be achieved and assessment standards per grade. The assessment standards give a clear idea of what is expected at each grade in each learning area. The statements will go out for public comment soon. Responses will be analysed and the statements adjusted, we hope, by the end of the year. We look forward to input, in particular from teachers.
Do we have a good curriculum?
I believe we have a strong and good curriculum to present to the public. Some 150 people were involved in the process, and all unions were represented. The collective teaching experience of the participants who shaped the curriculum was also significant.
What is the next step?
In terms of implementation, the department decided to continue with implementation of C2005 as is until there was something new. Training for C2005 has thus continued in the old mode. The implementation plan for the revised curriculum will be made available with the curriculum statements.
What should we as educators know?
The committee has looked at terminology, which was a big gripe with Curriculum 2005. It also recommended that in both design and implementation, the curriculum should be simplified but the basic principles of OBE be kept intact and the 12 critical outcomes be retained.
Learning area statements should be clearly understood by the educators.The goal to strive for is clarity and simplicity. Curriculum documents must make clear the link between what and how.
A tendency for educators is lack of debate and participation which sometimes leads to apathy. I have been talking to educators lately who are undergoing training, they all seem to be excited by what they are learning and sharing in. How familiar are you as an educator on issues of the curriculum that affect you? I still meet educators who have not read the curriculim review document. They complain that they cannot access it or that the principal has it. You have to make it your business to find the information. Do not rely on hearsay or staffroom gossip. You have to help yourself to learn and grow.
As educators this is an opportunity for all of us to participate in the development of the streamlined curriculum. It is important to belong to a learning area committee in your area so that you can debate and discuss curriculum issues. If there is no committee in you area, establish one. Your curriculum specialist or subject advisor can help you in doing this. The local organiser from your teacher union can also help to keep you abreast of curriculum issues.
The information on the implementation and streamlining of Curriculum 2005 is on the department, website www.doe.gov.za , or you can visit your education office and ask for this information.
Write to Thandi Chaane, c/o the Teacher TALK/BUA, PO Box 91667 Auckland Park 2006, or e-mail: [email protected]
– The Teacher/M&G Media, Johannesburg, August 2001.