-> SK>I simply see this Bill as creating a much larger problem than
-> anything >it would solve.
-> This post is a fine example of why WE SHOULD NOT HAVE a National
-> curriculum.  It makes it too easy for a few misled individuals to
-> impose their ideas, morals, ect. on the rest of the nation.
:-(
This topic goes round and round and I'm not sure that I am accomplishing
anything by responding to yet another post on this topic, but here
goes...
First of all, the fact that special interest groups can affect school
curriculum is deplorable and scary. Even without a National Curriculum,
this occurs on a local level. I wonder what can be done to stop that
phenomenon?
Secondly, there is a differe IMO between a National Curriculum and
National Standards, as I understand them. The term "curriculum" sounds
prescriptive. A National Curriculum does sound like something that would
delineate what should be taught, etc.., and I believe that this is what
you are referring to, Tom. I also think there is some confusion in this
discussion over the term National as opposed to Federal. Simply
"national" does not necessarily imply that the Federal government must
be involved.
Thirdly, what I have suggested and continue to suggest is merely this: A
set of National _voluntary_ standards set up by some agency NOT the
federal government, which schools could choose to adhere to or not. At
least it would be some benchmark against which schools could measure
themselves. At this time many professional educator agencies are setting
up such standards in their own respective subject areas. The NCTM
(National Council for Teachers of Mathematics) was first with their
standards. I don't believe that their standards for curriculum are
satisfactory for a national curriculum, but they at least serve as an
example and a guideline or starting point. Since that time I am aware
that the National Council of Teachers of English has also put out
standards, as have the History teachers. There may be others as well. I
believe that these are good things. They are not political documents and
are not promoting special interest agendas. They are merely documents
developed by experienced professional educators with an interest in
seeing their subject matter presented in the best possible way for all
students.
Sheila
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