Alignment of the planned and implemented curricula in Junior High School English Language, Mathematics and Science in three Districts in Ghana

Abstract

This paper draws on conceptualization of levels of curriculum as planned, implemented and attained curriculum to explore the alignment between the planned and implemented English Language, Mathematics and Science curricula in Ghana. A survey of curriculum delivery by 124 Junior High School Form 2 English, Mathematics and Science teachers, with 1268 of their students from 51 public and private schools, made up of a mix of below-average, average and above-average schools in terms of academic achievement of the students from three districts in the Central Region was carried out. A multi-stage sampling technique involving purposive and stratified random sampling methods were used in the selection of the research participants. The data were collected through documentary review, questionnaire survey for teachers and interviews with students. The data collected were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative data were analysed using frequency counts and descriptive statistics, while the qualitative data were analysed qualitatively and presented as narrative description with illustrative examples. The study revealed that gaps existed between the planned and the implemented English Language, Mathematics and Science curricula. Discussion of the findings and implications for practice, policy and research in Ghana and countries that share similar situation as Ghana are provided.