<HTML>I read your message about the problems of implementing curricula in Jewish
Day schools with great interest. I am at present coordinating a curriculum
project under the auspices of the Lookstein Center for a Jewish Day school
in Sydney Australia.The program has a number of stages:
1.In site evaluation of the school followed by written recommendations for
school change.
2.The establishment of a school coordinators committee that will be
responsible for curriculum change in conjunction with a committee of the
Lookstein Center. The coordinators are responsible for different areas in
the Jewish Studies Curriculum- e.g. Tanach, Halacha, Hebrew Language,
Jewish History, Mishna etc.
3. The establishment of a timetable for change which is realistic based on
school structure.
4. The writing of goals for the curriculum based on the school philosophy
and ethos.
5. The writing of the Syllabus - what should be taught for each year at
every level in each subject.
6. The writing of curriculum for the syllabus i.e. how the syllabus is to
be taught using which materials etc.
In such a program there are clearly defined roles for the local committee
and the consultancy committee at the Lookstein Center.The local committee
has ownership of the process which ensures that decisions will be carried
through on the ground.
There is also an important teachers training component in the program. We
have just completed a two weeks program with the coordinators from the
school from Sydney- we are already seeing the benefits of such a system.
Kol Tuv
Eli</HTML>
