Analysis On Local Government Actions Of Curriculum Policy Implementation

Abstract: The ability of local government to implement curriculum policy plays a key role in curriculum reform, and it influences the quality of local education directly. This research analyze the government actions of curriculum policy implementation with a research method of case study, and one of education bureaus at county level was chosen as a case. Depending on the theoretical framework developed by Richard Elmore, the author of this paper, after experiencing text/tangibility analyses, investigations, interviews, concludes that:First, the resources at disposal are not rich enough for local government to implement curriculum policy effectively. It seems obvious that the local government put too emphases on mandate, while such policy instruments as inducement, capacity building, and system changing are notably absent.Second, local government likes to give general guidance to down levels or school principals even when he is carrying the policy instrument of mandate. Seldom are specific demands released. The implementation process exhibits apparent characters of experimentalist and campaign.Third, pars of difficulties encountered during implementation are originated from the policy formation phrase.Forth, high-stake assessments have been the attention focus and begin to push all sides related to the prisoners' dilemma. It is the core of problems local government faces with during implementation. It seems inscape that the curriculum policy will be reformed and dropped out if new curriculum can't undo such prisoners' dilemma.Finally, only when it is sustainable, can the curriculum reform realize its intention. Education theories are necessary for curriculum reform. However, just education theories are not enough for ever. Theories on how to act sometimes take a more important position in education reform, especially in china.