A curriculum framework is part of an outcome-based education or standards based education reform design. The framework is the second step, defining clear, high standards which will be achieved by all students. The curriculum is then aligned to the standards, and students are assessed against the standards.
A curriculum framework is an essential element of outcome-based or standards-based education reform, which aims to define clear expectations for student learning outcomes. It serves as the foundation for aligning the curriculum and assessing student performance against these established standards.