Approval Process for Acquiring and Developing 4-H Curriculum Materials The purpose of the curriculum approval process is to ensure that high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum materials are used consistently in 4-H programs and with youth audiences throughout the state. Therefore, county 4-H programs and extension staff are expected to use publications listed on the N.J. 4-H Publications List.  For curriculum materials not included on this list, staff are encouraged to pilot-test other publications that might be useful and to seek official approval through this curriculum review process.  Refer to the section entitled Pilot Testing 4-H Curriculum for details on testing curriculum with intended audiences. Any item being pilot tested is denoted on the list as a “trial version.”  In general, a publication should not be used for more than a year without being considered for approval through the review process. To learn about ways that 4-H advisory groups and volunteers can contribute to the 4-H curriculum development process, view 4-H Advisory Committee & Volunteer Roles in 4-H Curriculum Development (4H258). A summary of the 4-H/Youth Curriculum Review & Approval Process The RCE Process for Curriculum Development & Acquisition for 4-H/Youth Audiences (FS890) is a PDF version of a fact sheet summarizing this process. (2 pp.  131K.) The forms below can be downloaded in PDF format by clicking on selected links. A. Summary of steps for approval of curriculum purchased from outside sources A clientele need is documented Curriculum materials are identified and submitted to the appropriate standing committee for review, using an Rutgers Cooperative Extension Request To Purchase Curriculum For 4-H/Youth form (4H108). The author/committee pilots curriculum with a non-biased audience.  Sample pilot test forms are available: Pilot Test Form 1: 4-H Project Material Survey for Youth Pilot Test Form 2: 4-H Curriculum Survey for Adult Leader/Teacher Pilot Test Form 3: 4-H Record Book Trial Version Evaluation for Club Members Pilot Test Form 4: 4-H Record Book Trial Version Evaluation for Adult Club Leaders Results of pilot testing are included with the request form and submitted to 4-H Curriculum Review Board. 4-H Curriculum Review Board reviews the material. Approved curriculum is forwarded to the 4-H Department Chair for signature and to be put into the curriculum management process.  Author and committee are notified of approval status by Department Chair. B. Summary of steps for approval of curriculum developed by RCE faculty and staff A clientele need is documented. A proposal for curriculum materials is submitted to the appropriate 4-H Department standing committee using an Rutgers Cooperative Extension Proposal To Develop Curriculum For 4-H/Youth form (4H109).  (This does not apply to fact sheets. See below.) The curriculum material is reviewed by the standing committee.  The recommended curriculum is submitted to the 4-H Curriculum Review Board. 4-H Curriculum Review Board reviews the proposal. Approved proposal to develop curriculum is forwarded to the 4-H department chair for authorization. The department chair’s signature also means that the curriculum may be desktop published by the Resource Center.  Author and committee are notified of approval status. Author writes, refines and pilots curriculum with a non-biased audience.  Sample pilot test Forms are available: Pilot Test Form 1: 4-H Project Material Survey for Youth Pilot Test Form 2: 4-H Curriculum Survey for Adult Leader/Teacher Pilot Test Form 3: 4-H Record Book Trial Version Evaluation for Club Members Pilot Test Form 4: 4-H Record Book Trial Version Evaluation for Adult Club Leaders Author evaluates, revises, and refines curriculum. The curriculum material is again reviewed by the standing committee. The approved curriculum is submitted to the 4-H Curriculum Review Board using an RCE Approval of Curriculum Developed for 4-H/Youth form (4H110)*. (It is the responsibility of the author/committee to be sure the curriculum is in final, reproducible, format when submitted to the 4-H Curriculum Review Board.) * Note that development of 4-H Project Record Books is expected to follow an established format.  (Refer to current published NJ 4-H record books to see acceptable format.)   Only subject matter-related information can be altered.  This eliminates the need for submitting an RCE Approval of Curriculum Developed for 4-H/Youth form (4H110) after development is approved. 8. 4-H Curriculum Review Board reviews the material. Approved curriculum is forwarded to the 4-H department chair for signature and entered into the publication management process. Author and committee are notified of approval status. C. Fact Sheets Proposals to develop fact sheets should be submitted to the department chair using an RCE Fact Sheet and Bulletin Review Form.  Proposed fact sheets related to 4-H are expected to be reviewed for subject matter accuracy by an Extension specialist or similar expert, in addition to a 4-H department standing committee, which serves as a second “expert reviewer,” before receiving the approval of the department chair.

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