The process of curriculum change in Austria
The usual procedure of developing a new curriculum in Austria consists of the following steps:
- The Federal Ministry for Education, Science and Research decides a new curriculum has to be created.
- Experts from universities and colleges, etc., formulate the first draft.
- The first draft is sent abroad and to experts in different fields. It is elaborated over 6-7 rounds of feedback.
- The ministry sends out the finished document to universities, educational science faculties, teacher training colleges, teacher representatives, pupil representatives, unions, religious organisations, education directorates and parents’ representatives. Over the next 3-4 months these communities’ remarks are collected.
- The review outcomes are forwarded to the curriculum creation committee (Lehrplanerstellungskommission).
- The final version is presented in parliament to be decided upon. If it is successfully accepted:
- New school textbooks are compiled on the basis of the new curricula by expert commissions. This process takes about one year.
- Teaching staff learn about the innovations through training, and teacher training colleges adapt their education programmes for teachers.
- Directorates of Education are tasked with ensuring that the curricula (contents, timetables, etc.) are implemented by the schools and teachers.