Curriculum Fidelity in the Higher Education: Reasons Behind the Lack of Implementation Fidelity

• In Event: Examining Implementation and Outcomes in Educator Preparation Program Courses

Abstract

Implementation fidelity is the degree in which a program is delivered as intended. Investigating implementation fidelity helps to recognize how and why a curriculum works and helps program designers to improve the program. In higher education, using a model curriculum is not common, but a national program for science/math teacher preparation in the US uses model curricula for all of its courses. In this research, we investigated the curriculum fidelity of instructors teaching in the program. Based on data collected via instructors’ syllabi, their answers to the survey, and their interviews, we wrote 11 case studies. Results showed very low implementation fidelity and revealed several reasons behind refusing to implement the model curriculum or modifying it by the instructors.

Authors

• Noushin Nouri, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

• Maryam Saberi, The University of Shiraz