High School Curriculum :: Education Argumentative Persuasive Papers

High School CurriculumWhen reviewing the literature regarding the past, present and time to come of educational curriculum, several main points seem apparent, namely that curriculum is cyclical, that a dilemma or paradox exists, and that curriculum must be looked at with a sensitive view. According to Lashway (1999) educators once saw educational ameliorate as cyclical. Every ten years or so genius could expect a public offburst followed by frantic efforts to damn a broken system. However, in the last twenty years thither seems to have been a perpetual reform.Looking to the past it seems that curriculum became diluted. Schools offered umteen electives schools even watered down the curriculum hoping to keep students (which was later erect to only compound the problem) (Mclaughlin 1990). Curriculum resembled a lawn sprinkler covering a conduct of area yet having very little force.In the 1980s a report called A Nation At Risk stated that American children had fallen behind i n such subjects as math and science. so came the advent of educations increased focus on literacy and numeracy, office and academic standards. These high standards, according to Dumas (2000), are the most significant flair in schools today.These new standards seem to be focusing more on both accountability and back to basics. As a math teacher I can be delighted by this focus. However, as a potential administrator, I realize this is too myopic a view. indeed these standards have created a dilemma -- a conundrum -- a paradox. prickle to basics? BUT these basics must be taught differently, by stressing higher(prenominal) level thinking and life/work appreciation. additionally, all children must be taught, be they rich, poor, learning disabled, foreign speakers etc. Cut frills but be creative Do not forget educating the whole child. Do healthful on standardized test while remembering and accounting for few standardized kids. Be literate and professional but as poin ted out in numerous articles, care, and be a good moral person. Additionally include causa education for students.This has led some educators to express reservations approximately these current trends, mostly because of fears that reform will be driven by conformity to policy mandates rather than the educational needs of children. John Goodlad (1999) observes, The diction of school reform virtually eschews reference to the measuring of self, civility, civic-mindedness, democratic character and participation in the whole of the human conservation.