CURRICULUM WITHOUT BORDERS: GLOBAL INNOVATIONS IN ENGLISH CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK DESIGN

An innovative approach to curriculum framework design combined process improvement, qualifications architecture, management information system principles and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages to develop a national English Curriculum Framework for Grades 1 to 12. This new framework is currently being piloted in 45 schools across the United Arab Emirates through the Future Schools program. Initial results indicate that this approach is highly effective in ensuring proficiency level differentiation at the classroom level with student achievement continuously improving over the study period. Through the use of standardized terminology, proficiency level coding, continuous assessment, accurate monitoring of standards achievement and continuous feedback on student progress teachers are able to ensure all students achieve their academic potential. The innovative elements and processes of the English Curriculum Framework will be presented in detail.