The integrated curriculum combines content areas, such as the arts and humanities, and reading and writing into broader disciplines while maintaining the integrity of the basic skills and concepts of the content area. This approach to curriculum design has been proven to be a very effective method for teaching and learning.
Students learn best when the subjects taught are connected and related to common goals.
When an integrated curriculum is adopted, schools can expect its students to think at a higher level, to improve attendance and self-esteem, and to perform at a higher level on test and classroom assignments. Many of the current models can be applied to all subject areas, whereas other models are subject-area specific. There are several overlying concepts that embrace curriculum integration, such as brain-based learning, whole language, reading or writing workshop, interdisciplinary teaching, or instructional fusing or correlation. Teachers are essential in the development and implementation of an integrated curriculum. They must be willing to participate with enthusiasm and commitment.