Arts curriculum implementation: "Adopt and adapt" as policy translation

• Published in: Arts education policy review Vol. 119; no. 1; pp. 12 - 24
• Main Authors: Chapman, Sian, Wright, Peter, Pascoe, Robin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington Routledge 02.01.2018; Taylor & Francis Inc
• Subjects: Adaptation; Adoption (Ideas); Art Education; arts education; Context Effect; Curricula; Curriculum Implementation; Educational Change; Educational Policy; Educational Resources; Effects; Elementary School Curriculum; Elementary schools; Foreign Countries; Humanities; Marginality; National Curriculum; Neoliberalism; Performance Factors; Performing arts; policy enactment theory; Policy making; Professional Identity; Schools; Semi Structured Interviews; Teachers; Teaching; Translation; Australia
• ISSN: 1063-2913; 1940-4395
• DOI: 10.1080/10632913.2016.1201031

This article examines macro, meso, and micro understandings of policy enactment within Western Australian primary school arts education where a new national arts curriculum is being revised and implemented through a process colloquially known as "adopt and adapt." This article focuses on how a government-led implementation policy has influenced arts teaching and learning in unintended ways. It Includes a theoretical reflection and a consideration of the effects of such policies. Using policy enactment theory as the enquiry lens, four contextual variables are highlighted for their impact on teachers and schools. The variables include situated contexts, material contexts, professional cultures, and external factors. Effects are discussed through the perspectives of 11 arts curriculum leaders drawn from in-depth semi-structured interviews. Marginalization of the arts, the disconnection of schools and teachers to the arts and professional learning impacts are discussed as results of this policy translation.