Effects of Prescribed Curriculum on Experienced English Teachers

The quest for higher student achievement has resulted in a statewide curriculum effort implemented by many public school districts in Texas. Focusing on four core areas, CSCOPE provides districts with a curriculum for all grade levels. This computer-based prescription has impacted new and experienced teachers alike, and has been received in varying degrees. This work focuses on case studies of English teachers who had been teaching for several years; it explores their responses, attitudes, and levels of implementation of the CSCOPE curriculum. While CSCOPE is a Texas project, the implications are of national importance as student achievement is an ongoing concern, and Texas is considered a leader in educational trends nationwide. The stories of these teachers are a picture of the impact of prescribed curriculum on teachers.