Curriculum development

what we can learn from international curricula

Roberta Louis Goodman

Jan Katzew

pp. 63-81

in: Helena Miller, Lisa Grant, Alex Pomson (eds), International handbook of Jewish education, Berlin, Springer, 2011

Abstract

In Jewish education, curriculum development is often viewed as a sacred practice. This chapter claims that curriculum development merits the investment of the Jewish community, and that in four cases at least, this investment has been showing tangible results, and thereby ensuring meaningful dividends—by helping to create learning, if not learned Jews. The curricula range from early childhood to adulthood, from Judaica to Hebraica, and they represent multiple expressions of Judaism. They share commitments to ongoing professional development, significant financial investment, learner-centeredness, and the pursuit of excellence.