Curriculum fidelity of Turkish preschool teachers in school-based practices

UYAR M. Y., ETİ İ.

EDUCATION 3-13, vol.51, no.5, pp.820-835, 2023 (ESCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 51 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/03004279.2021.2024867
  • Journal Name: EDUCATION 3-13
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Psycinfo
  • Page Numbers: pp.820-835
  • Keywords: Curriculum development, curriculum fidelity, early childhood education, school-based practices, participant responsiveness
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study aims to determine the level of fidelity of preschool teachers to the curriculum within the framework of school-based practices (SBPs) and evaluated in terms of participant responsiveness. In this case study, interview and document analysis methods were used to collect the data from eight preschool teachers working in a university kindergarten. Results indicate that the teachers were attempting to implement the school-based curriculum development (SBCD) approach, but with a limited understanding. The findings reveal that teachers who adopt the adaptation approach structurally adhere to the curriculum, and their process fidelity is extended in SBPs. It is also concluded that the supportive educational environment, participatory institutional culture, teacher qualifications and the curriculum structure promoting flexibility in practice contribute to fidelity.