Curriculum integration in one elementary afterschool program

Much educational research is currently devoted to determining the most effective instructional strategies for raising student achievement. The instructional strategy used in this study is curriculum integration, which is defined as the process of students and teachers collaboratively designing curriculum and studying real-world problems. The purpose of this study was to understand the implementation of curriculum integration with upper elementary school students in an afterschool program. For this study the guiding research question was What are the dynamics of implementing curriculum integration with fourth through sixth graders in an afterschool program setting? The subquestions were (1) What is the teacher\u27s role in implementing curriculum integration in the program? (2) What is the role of student diversity in the implementation of curriculum integration in the program? (3) What is the role of the democratic classroom model in curriculum integration in the program? and (4) What is the role of college-age tutors in curriculum integration in the program? There are several factors to consider when examining a complex concept like curriculum integration. The study concluded that a number of conditions impact the success of implementing curriculum integration in an afterschool program for fourth to sixth graders, including the impact of the federal No Child Left Behind accountability act on the tutors\u27, parents\u27, and children\u27s perceptions of the value of instructional activities that were not textbook-based and awareness of the importance of homework. The study concluded with eight recommendations for those who attempt to implement curriculum integration in an afterschool program. All stakeholders should understand the program\u27s goals, and all program staff should have extensive training in curriculum integration and homework tutoring before and during the program\u27s operation. Resources should be allocated with flexibility. Program evaluation should take into consideration factors not easily quantified. The program should meet daily for at least 3 hours at the school site. Ongoing supervision should prevent a lapse in program implementation. Program implementation should be considered on a continuum, with the goal being a fully implemented program. Mandatory staff meetings should be held each week. More research needs to be conducted on the full implementation of curriculum integration