Education - Curriculum - Essay Example

Research though different than evaluation is a necessary component of curriculum evaluation. Curriculum evaluation is an ongoing process that does not begin at the end of curriculum delivery; instead formative and summative evaluations are used conjointly to create a comprehensive view of the curriculum. Likewise, all those in contact with the curriculum from the teachers to the curriculum design specialist enact curriculum evaluation. This model provides a functional example of curriculum evaluation in which all aspects of the curriculum are evaluated and analyzed for program improvement.

Asking the right questions requires understanding of the desired goals in each area of the curriculum. Evaluating educational goals complete with their objectives in each area are the first step in assessment of the curriculum. Curricular components that should be addressed are; is the curriculum relevant, is there a balance in the curriculum, is the curriculum integration desirable, is the curriculum properly sequenced, is there a continuity of programs, are learning’s transferable, is the scope of the curriculum adequate, realistic, and are curricula well articulated between levels (Oliva, 2003)?

Understanding the goals for curriculum and students in these areas is the first key to curriculum evaluation. The curriculum specialist must know the key component goals in order to evaluate effectiveness and areas of needs. Asking questions requires research and evaluation. It is important to note that although closely related, evaluation and research, in the curriculum evaluation process are separate tools that combine to create a functional analysis of a program. Evaluation is the process, which determines the effectiveness of a program.

Evaluation answers questions such as; is the scope of the curriculum realistic, is the sequence appropriate, is the curriculum age-appropriate, is the curriculum relevant