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A Zero Base Curriculum.

Torus34

Torus34

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We've lately witnessed a number of stories from various parts of the United States of America concerning parents and what is being taught in our public schools. We've also been bombarded by the spiels of a number of AM radio talk show hosts claiming that our schools and universities are centers of indoctrination in [gasp!] liberal/socialist/communist ideology.

I found it interesting to ask myself the following question:

What, in general terms, should be the goal of our public educational system?

My initial answer: to graduate a person who is well-equipped to take his/her place in our present society.

Now, that's pretty broad and shreds out into a number of sub-goals, but as a first rough cut it seemed about right.

Comments?

Regards, stay safe 'n well . . . educated.
 
"Society" is a rather vague phrase. If we leave curriculum to elected school boards, graduates will all be divided into local specialities (fit for "local society") but if it's entirely Federalized, some kids will be no better educated in a state or local specialty, than any other student who graduated out of state.

I think a strong core of national curriculum is essential, because it provides mobility to graduates whether or not they're going to college. But if States want to add to that curriculum I think that should be allowed. Even local government adding local history, or in a few cases technical training in a local industry, would keep the nation's graduates from all being cookie-cut and dull at parties.
 
Ug make hammer said:
"Society" is a rather vague phrase. If we leave curriculum to elected school boards, graduates will all be divided into local specialities (fit for "local society") but if it's entirely Federalized, some kids will be no better educated in a state or local specialty, than any other student who graduated out of state.

I think a strong core of national curriculum is essential, because it provides mobility to graduates whether or not they're going to college. But if States want to add to that curriculum I think that should be allowed. Even local government adding local history, or in a few cases technical training in a local industry, would keep the nation's graduates from all being cookie-cut and dull at parties.
Click to expand...

Hi, Ug make hammer.

Thanks for reading my OP and taking time to comment.

You've covered a number of points including the regional diversity of our society, local vs. federal considerations, 'core curriculum' and student individuality.

Lots to discuss. Just reaching consensus on what constitutes a core curriculum will not, I think, be 'a slice of the cake', as the fictional detective Hercule Poirot would say.

Regards, stay safe 'n well.
 
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