A Practical Guide to Zero-Based Review

This paper presents a systematic framework and practical guidelines for the implementation of a "zero-based" curriculum review (ZBCR). ZBCR begins with a tabula rasa and the commitment that program faculty and an external advisory board will create a framework of competencies, knowledge bases, professional practices and skills which graduates should have. ZBCR is intended to help us move from an "acciden- tal" curriculum to an "intentional" curriculum. Specific examples illustrate the structur- ing, conducting, and application of the results of the review. ZBCR maximizes the benefits of a fresh perspective and minimizes time and effort, with a situationally- flexible and reusable structure and process. ZBCR is based on procedures recently developed and used with success in reviewing the curricula of a department's programs at a major state university.