What is the definition of curriculum compacting?

Curriculum compacting is defined as a strategy used to identify what students already know about a subject, which is achieved through pre-testing. This method helps educators determine students' prior knowledge and readiness, allowing them to streamline the curriculum. By assessing students before instruction begins, teachers can effectively eliminate redundant content for those who already possess a strong understanding of the material. This approach helps to maximize learning by enabling students to focus on new or more challenging material rather than spending time on content they have already mastered.

In the context of the other choices, enhancing or supplementing the curriculum involves adding additional materials or experiences but does not specifically identify prior knowledge. Grouping students based on interests is a beneficial strategy but does not relate directly to compacting the curriculum itself. Accelerating students through an entire course of study may encompass broader strategies, but it does not specifically address the initial assessment of knowledge that is central to curriculum compacting.