CURRICULUM ISSUES, CONCERNS AND

RESPONSES
by: Rodrigo B. Javier and Purita P. Bilbao
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.
I nnovations 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.
I nnovations are not communicated at all
Only the managers or the proponents
understand the changes. Those who are
directly involved merely follow hook line
and sinker. This is called regimentation.

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