There are four types of curriculum services: material development, accreditation or teaching resources, implementation of new curriculum and curriculum evaluation. "Curriculum" is a term used to describe all of the materials used to teach a subject to students. This includes textbooks, lectures, test banks, course outlines and marking guides.
People who work in curriculum services include administrative staff members and teaching professionals. The skills necessary for this type of work are primarily communication, research and analysis. Working as a member of a team, curriculum services personnel interact with education agencies, textbook publishers and related professionals to ensure that the curriculum is relevant, accurate and easy to follow.
Material development is a multi-step process that is usually managed using project management methodologies, including the development of a project plan, timeliness, deliverables and milestones. The first step is to establish the level of the course, the prerequisites and the target student age. Material guidelines are reviewed by psychologists and educational experts to validate the project plan.
The learning tools used in the modern classroom include textbooks, computer software, movies and interactive learning exercises. All of these course development technologies need to be incorporated into the curriculum, with direct correlation between the teaching points and the material. The vast majority of these materials are developed by private companies, publishers and filmmakers. Curriculum services is often responsible for reviewing the materials and providing accreditation or certification that the materials are appropriate, accurate and suitable.
There are two motivations for new curriculum: new educational requirements and scheduled rewriting. New curriculum is developed in response to changing educational requirements. This can be driven by technology developments, new scientific discoveries or changing business processes. Course material must be updated in order to keep the references current. Implementing a new curriculum typically requires at least 18 months of lead time, so that new materials can be developed, advance copies can be provided to teachers and supporting programs can be changed.
On a regular, scheduled basis, all course curriculum is reviewed and evaluated. The purpose of the evaluation is to remove content that is out of date and add new developments in the subject to the relevant courses. This can include new scientific developments or a change in the way a historical event is perceived, based on new information.
The education required to work in curriculum services include a minimum post-secondary education from an accredited university or college. Areas of study include education, English, the humanities and the social sciences. A love of learning and dedication to continuing education is a core requirement for work in this sector.
