SK>"The" National Curriculum? Iyeeha! You're already talking about it as
  >though it exists. I would think that if there were such a thing as
  >National Standards or Curriculum, it might be one of those things that
  >schools would demonstrate to accrediting agencies that they are trying
  >to attain as part of their accreditation process. In such a way, it
  >would be voluntary compliance, and yet desirable as a way of attaining
  >accreditation. However, I understand that there are not only private
  >schools, but public schools as well, that operate without being
  >accreditted. What would entice such schools to reach for standards, I
  >simply don't know.
Hi Sheila, In Hot Springs Arkansas and the surrounding area there are
five high schools in five different districts.  Of the five only three
are actually state accredited schools or at least that was the case four
years ago.  One of the two schools that did not have state accreditation
was actually better for the academically inclined that two of the ones that
were accredited.  I know get to the point :)
Most parents in this part of the country look at racial mix first and
then the quality of the school physical facility.  When I was very
active in the district 2 in ten new students parents ever asked about
whether or not the school was state accredited.  While I knew which ones
were and were not I must confess I have no idea what the criteria is or
was nor whether or not it really made a difference for the students.
The colleges in Arkansas use ACT scores as a primary entrance
acceptance criteria.  It seems many changes will be needed for a
national curriculum to have any real meaning to anyone outside the
academic world.
I do understand the reason why you and others would like a National
Curriculum. I think ?  What I don't understand is how it will make a
difference in the actual education process.  Students who care will
still get a good education and those that don't will not.  Could you
offer some advantages of a National Curriculum ?  Unless compliance were
mandatory I doubt many would sign on if it increased the cost per
student as many believe they are excessive now.
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