Objectives 

This module provides opportunities for the development of understanding in relation to: 

• Rationales for decentralization;
• Modalities of decentralization of curriculum development and of localization of curriculum in national and local specific contexts in view of ensuring greater responsiveness to local needs and realities (devolution, de-concentration, decentralization of decision-making…);
• The opportunities and specific challenges of the broader involvement of stakeholders (local government, civil society, parents and local community) in curriculum development and implementation.

Focus 

Decentralization may be seen as a trend towards the democratization of education by allowing local stakeholders greater autonomy and participation in curriculum design and implementation while continuing to refer to national standards. 

Decentralization aims to promote more relevant curricula and effective implementation which engages the commitment of individuals and groups at all levels of an education system and beyond. In some cases this trend has led to significant change in the bureaucratic structure of Ministries of Education. 

It is important to acknowledge that decentralization is a diverse phenomenon operating in a range of modalities dictated by the political, administrative and educational contexts. The diverse modalities of decentralization may include the devolution of power and authority from a higher to a lower level, wider sharing of educational management and governance functions, broader participation in decision making processes or increased local autonomy in limited policy or management issues. 

Processes of decentralization have the potential to foster the development of localized curricula which directly address a diversity of local (sub-national) cultural and realities. These closely related trends are not without their problems. This section explores opportunities, issues and challenges presented by decentralization and localization of curricula through individual case studies.

Key words  

Decentralization; localization of curriculum; curriculum for special cultural communities: local capacity building; participation; empowerment.