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What is Integrated Curriculum?

Integrating the curriculum is the 

linking or weaving together of subject 

areas and disciplines to meet objectives 

required by the state and national 

standards. It is the way of managing 

instruction whereby required 

objectives, skills, topics, or themes are 

connected across disciplines (Topics in 

Education, 2005).

8 Key Principles for an Integrated Curriculum

1. Curriculum is assigned to state and/or national 

standards.

What is taught in the classroom must have a purpose and 

overlapping objectives with subjects being integrated. 

2. Integration specifies a focus for the curriculum, 

determining what topic or areas of study will be included 

for instruction.

Integration's helps blend content areas and disciplines around 

topics, areas and themes

                               (Topics in Education, 2005)

3. Basic skills in reading and math are linked with social 

studies and science.

For integration, aspects of literacy have to be taught with other disciplines 

like math or science. 

4. Implementation requires team effort and planning

Teacher in different levels (k-2, 3-8) share ideas for lessons and objectives 

that should be taught.

                                             (Topics in Education, 2005)

5. Assessment, both formal and informal, are included. 

To give insight on student success, a variety of assessments is crucial with 

integrating curriculum.

6. Differentiated instruction plays a key role in the 

success of an integrated curriculum. 

Flexible grouping, tiered assignments, independent study, contracts and 

compacting all sure be used when teaching with an integrated approach.

                                                    (Topics in Education, 2005)

7. Curriculum integration encourages students to see 

relationships among several subject areas/ disciplines 

instead of learning just isolated facts. 

Research has shown that integration does not succeed in isolation. 

8. Curriculum integration helps to prepare students with 

the tools for solving problems and addressing issues in 

real life.

Curriculum integration exposes students to different subjects and allows 

them to learn many things, instead of just one type of content. 

                                              (Topics in Education,2005)

Research on Integrating Curriculum 

Integrated curriculum brings relevance to real 

life for students. If students can connect what 

they are learning to other subject areas they 

will realize they have the knowledge and tools 

they need for deeper learning. 

"The integrated approach says that skills and 

facts are best learned in relationship to a 

holistic concept that gives meaning and 

purpose to the learning (Topics in Education, 

2005)."

Time Constraints

There is not enough time to fit everything you are responsible 

for into a normal school day. Yet, the teacher is accountable for 

teaching the curriculum according to state and federal 

mandates. 

The curriculum doesnt just focus on reading, social studies, 

math, and science but it also focuses on technology, health, PE, 

music, art and, drama. All of these subjects are important and 

beneficial to student learning. Teaching an integrated curriculum 

allows teachers to manage their time and allows students to 

learn more and get their needs met.

Research on Brain Functions and the Learning 

Process

Knowing how children learn and their brain process is very 

important and integrating curriculum allows teachers to help 

students reach their maximum potential. 

Research has shown that the brain does not function just with 

the right brain or the left brain. The brain functions because the 

whole brain works together to find connections and patterns. 

"An integrated curriculum allows educators to facilitate this 

connection-building in students (Carol Mathison and Cheryl 

Mason, San Diego University)."

                                       (Topics in Education, 2005)

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