How is public school curriculum determined?
I'll answer
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.20
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.
40more
40more
Sophia Nguyen
Studied at Harvard University, Lives in Cambridge, MA
As an expert in the field of education, I can provide insights into how public school curriculum is determined. The process is multifaceted and involves various stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, and sometimes even the community. Here's a comprehensive look at the steps and considerations involved in determining a public school curriculum:
1. National Education Goals: The process often begins with national education goals or standards. These are broad guidelines that define what students should know and be able to do at various stages of their education. In the U.S., these are often referred to as the Common Core State Standards, which provide a consistent framework for what K-12 students should learn in English language arts and mathematics.
2. State Education Policies: Each state has its own department of education that translates national goals into state-specific policies. States have the authority to set academic standards and decide on the curriculum that will be taught in public schools within their jurisdiction.
3. Local School Districts: Individual school districts, which are local administrative units responsible for managing public schools, have a significant role in shaping the curriculum. They consider the state's guidelines and adapt them to meet the needs of their students, taking into account local resources, community values, and the specific educational goals of the district.
4. Input from Educators and Academic Groups: Teachers, subject matter experts, and academic groups play a crucial role in curriculum development. They provide valuable input based on their experience and knowledge of what works best in the classroom. National academic subject groups often contribute to the development of state curricula, as mentioned in the provided reference.
5. Community and Parental Involvement: The community and parents can have a say in the curriculum through various means, such as attending school board meetings, participating in surveys, or joining parent-teacher associations. Their input helps ensure that the curriculum is responsive to the community's values and expectations.
6. Assessment and Accountability Measures: The curriculum must align with assessment and accountability measures. States often have standardized tests that students must take, and the curriculum is designed to prepare students for these assessments, ensuring they meet the required proficiency levels.
7.
Adaptation and Continuous Improvement: The curriculum is not static; it evolves over time. It is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect new research, technological advancements, and societal changes. This process involves feedback from educators, students, and the community, and it aims to improve the effectiveness of the curriculum.
8.
Funding and Resources: The availability of funding and resources can influence the curriculum. School districts with more resources may be able to offer a wider range of subjects and extracurricular activities, while those with fewer resources may have to prioritize certain areas.
9.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: The curriculum must comply with federal and state laws, including those related to special education, civil rights, and health and safety. This ensures that all students have equal access to education and that the curriculum is safe and appropriate for all learners.
10.
Inclusion of Diverse Perspectives: There is an increasing emphasis on including diverse perspectives in the curriculum to promote cultural awareness and to reflect the diversity of the student population.
In conclusion, determining the public school curriculum is a complex process that involves balancing national goals with state and local needs, incorporating input from educators and the community, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards. It is a dynamic process that requires ongoing collaboration and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of students and society.
1. National Education Goals: The process often begins with national education goals or standards. These are broad guidelines that define what students should know and be able to do at various stages of their education. In the U.S., these are often referred to as the Common Core State Standards, which provide a consistent framework for what K-12 students should learn in English language arts and mathematics.
2. State Education Policies: Each state has its own department of education that translates national goals into state-specific policies. States have the authority to set academic standards and decide on the curriculum that will be taught in public schools within their jurisdiction.
3. Local School Districts: Individual school districts, which are local administrative units responsible for managing public schools, have a significant role in shaping the curriculum. They consider the state's guidelines and adapt them to meet the needs of their students, taking into account local resources, community values, and the specific educational goals of the district.
4. Input from Educators and Academic Groups: Teachers, subject matter experts, and academic groups play a crucial role in curriculum development. They provide valuable input based on their experience and knowledge of what works best in the classroom. National academic subject groups often contribute to the development of state curricula, as mentioned in the provided reference.
5. Community and Parental Involvement: The community and parents can have a say in the curriculum through various means, such as attending school board meetings, participating in surveys, or joining parent-teacher associations. Their input helps ensure that the curriculum is responsive to the community's values and expectations.
6. Assessment and Accountability Measures: The curriculum must align with assessment and accountability measures. States often have standardized tests that students must take, and the curriculum is designed to prepare students for these assessments, ensuring they meet the required proficiency levels.
7.
Adaptation and Continuous Improvement: The curriculum is not static; it evolves over time. It is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect new research, technological advancements, and societal changes. This process involves feedback from educators, students, and the community, and it aims to improve the effectiveness of the curriculum.
8.
Funding and Resources: The availability of funding and resources can influence the curriculum. School districts with more resources may be able to offer a wider range of subjects and extracurricular activities, while those with fewer resources may have to prioritize certain areas.
9.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: The curriculum must comply with federal and state laws, including those related to special education, civil rights, and health and safety. This ensures that all students have equal access to education and that the curriculum is safe and appropriate for all learners.
10.
Inclusion of Diverse Perspectives: There is an increasing emphasis on including diverse perspectives in the curriculum to promote cultural awareness and to reflect the diversity of the student population.
In conclusion, determining the public school curriculum is a complex process that involves balancing national goals with state and local needs, incorporating input from educators and the community, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards. It is a dynamic process that requires ongoing collaboration and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of students and society.
2024-05-07 23:46:59
reply(1)
Helpful(1122)
Helpful
Helpful(2)
Studied at the University of Amsterdam, Lives in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Who decides what is taught? "In the U.S., each state, with the individual school districts, establishes the curricula taught. Each state, however, builds its curriculum with great participation of national academic subject groups selected by the United States Department of Education (Wikipedia)."
2023-06-19 14:26:35
Owen Martin
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Who decides what is taught? "In the U.S., each state, with the individual school districts, establishes the curricula taught. Each state, however, builds its curriculum with great participation of national academic subject groups selected by the United States Department of Education (Wikipedia)."
