Process of change
From the outset, teachers were to be engaged fully in shaping the curriculum. From the National Debate on Education in 2002 through to the drafting and preparation of the experiences and outcomes for publication, teachers were asked to contribute their knowledge and expertise to the process.
Development teams
Writing teams of practitioners were formed for each curriculum area, brought in from the classroom and other posts in education on secondment to Learning and Teaching Scotland (LTS) to develop the experiences and outcomes. Throughout, they worked in collaboration with colleagues from the Scottish Government, HM Inspectorate of Education and the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
Development process
The teams drew upon evidence of effective practice in Scotland and beyond, research and international comparisons.
One of the main responsibilities of members of development teams was to ensure that, throughout, they drew on the expertise and advice of a wide range of staff in early years centres, schools, universities, colleges and across all settings where learning takes place. They did this at meetings, events, seminars and focus groups, picking up ideas and case studies of good practice. They maintained contact with subject networks and other specialist forums.
LTS published the proposed experiences and outcomes firstly in draft format to give practitioners and wider stakeholders the opportunity to comment. There was further extensive engagement during the process refinement leading up to publication.
Quality assurance
The curriculum guidelines were subjected to a rigorous quality assurance process to ensure they would meet the needs of learners and that they were in keeping with the purposes and principles of Curriculum for Excellence.
The Curriculum for Excellence Management Board, made up of organisations which have national roles in Scottish education, has overall responsibility for delivering the programme. The organisations involved include the Scottish Government, the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland, Learning and Teaching Scotland, HM Inspectorate of Education and the Scottish Qualifications Authority.