Resources and the Curriculum

This chapter describes the interactions between resource availability and curriculum implementation. The more realistic starting point, therefore, in discussing a college curriculum relative to staffing concerns fitting resources which the college already possesses to an interpretation of educational needs. Obviously the most logical way to begin discussing the curricular requirements of a college is with a definition of educational needs. While a statement of educational needs to be satisfied has implications for PTR or SSR, the value of the ratio selected, although reflecting an interpretation of needs, does not imply anything about them. It says much more about the demands for educational services, and the total level of resources available. A school or an LEA may have a smaller PTR than its neighbour: this does not mean that its educational needs must be greater nor, more important, that there has to be a greater chance of their satisfaction.