Why Scripts? Understanding Administrators' Rationales in the Adoption of Scripted Curriculum

• In Event: Who Decides: Teachers, Administrators, and Publics Negotiating Curriculum

Abstract

Despite the critique of scripted curricular materials within the educational research community, districts continue to adopt highly structured resources. Drawing on data from interviews with 47 district officials, the authors explore the pressures that influence district administrators during the process of curriculum evaluation, selection, and implementation and the rationales that they give for adopting highly scripted materials. Participants view curriculum as a potent tool for reform within the school community, although they are motivated by contradictory desires to both standardize and individualize instruction. The adoption of scripted materials was also justified by high levels of teacher participation in curriculum selection processes and claims that teachers preferred highly structured materials.

Authors

• Julie Fitz, Learning Policy Institute

• A.C. Nikolaidis, University of Central Florida