Other topics
The need for a system. In order to analyse, design, develop and manage the curriculum, teaching and learning we need a 'systems' model that brings together the major components of such a system, eg,
It is complex. For example, consider accountability. Most school systems deal with accountability for learning outcomes simply by developing policy. But note the relative locations of Policies and Outcomes: the official curriculum and learning outcomes are quite remote from each other. This has significant implications for the feasibility and valid mechanisms of accountability. It also helps to explain why we tend to focus on outputs instead of outcomes (and confuse outcomes and outputs) - it is just easier and simpler.
Where does one start? And where to start depends on who you are and what opportunity you have. Typically the bureaucrat will start with 'the curriculum'; the learner with needs, hopes and preferences; the teacher with a plan of action and some notions of pedagogy.
A generative system. Education is the basis of furthering itself (more...) In addition learning informs teaching (or it should), engagement is influenced by (and should influence) pedagogy These are some of the ways in which a school is not a factory; flows and interactions are simultaneously multi-directional and multi-level.
Exploration of the model system. To explore the above model: use the above model to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your present arrangements for a particular program, eg, Literacy, Science or behaviour management... And who are the people in the model? Consider all the possibilities.
Caution: Someone once said "All systems are wrong but some are useful". Please keep this in mind.
Improving the Curriculum When you have a model that reasonably represents your own 'system' for delivering the curriculum you can begin to systematically improve it:
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align the parts
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improve the flows (information, timing and processes)
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create the missing elements
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build a culture of continuous improvement*
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redesign the system
See also
Fundamentals, Change Strategy...
*Continuous improvement is much easy to manage now that everyone involved is working from a shared framework (the systems model you have adopted). Remember to maximise improvement while minimizing change, which starts with easier first.