SK>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?
Remove the political side of the educational equation ?  Probably not
possible, but it would be a start.
SK>Secondly, there is a differe IMO between a National Curriculum and
  >National Standards, as I understand them.
A National standard as the one you mention NCTM would be an excellent
idea in other subject areas as well.  I am a bit familiar with some of
the standards your talking about.  To set a National goal as we did in
the race to the moon would be beneficial IMO.  For too long we have
accepted less than optimum under the pretense that somehow all students
must feel good about themselves.  Drop out rates are still high and
academic abilities are not all that improved.
The key to a successful National standard would be a well advertised
program where parents could understand that their students are either
receiving an adequate education or are not.  For the last fifteen years
it has been a real ordeal to ensure my children were in the classes with
the best teachers and academic standards.  I have seen many bright
students fall by the wayside only due to the simple fact their parents
had no clue of how to work the system.  They simply did not want to take
the time to ensure their students academic success.
IMO the sad fact is that as long as we allow students and parents to
relinquish their personal responsibility in the academic process little
will change.  Some method of accountability must be present for all
involved in the process.  I for one would be supportive of a National
STANDARD but not a National Curriculum.  If the Federal government is
involved I would not be in favor of either.
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 X QMPro 1.53 X All rising to a great place is by a winding stair.
--- Maximus 2.02
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