Task One

1.Why do we need to consider curriculum? If we take a step back and really look at what the goal of education is, I think we would look at curriculum differently. To much focus is put on what is taught, not on what is or can acutally be leanred in a biven amount of time by a given student. Individuality is not taken into consideration enough. Yes, we use different ways to teach, but we still have the same expectations. We expect of our students to learn the same things. And, what we expect them to learn is very concrete. There is no room for evaluation or self-discovery. At an early age, children learn by questioning. They ask and ask and ask, sometimes until an adult gets tired of answering them. But, they are encouraged to do this and are not afraid to do so. As they go through middle and high, students question less and less. They become afraid that they will ask a "stupid" question. They do not want to admit that they do not understand what they should be learning, but more so that they will be outed in front of their friends.

The curriculum in our schools also needs to be made more meaningful. Wraga mentions that students do not feel that what they are doing in school is meaningful or will be beneficial to them later in life. It is also difficult to remember something taught in the 8th grade in the 11th grade. Think about it, would you remember something that you are told is important for any longer than you have to. Even as adults, we hold on to info long enough to get us what we want, or however long we feel necessary. Unless we want to learn the information. The curriculum in our schools needs to be re-evaluated so it can become important to our students. If they want to learn something, they will learn it and retain it. They are never going to hold onto information if they don't think it will benefit them at a later date.

2. A correlated curriculum would best describe my current situation, and, I would imagine, is the most common. I teach 7th grade math. All the core classes at my school are seperate. Do we collaborate on subject matter? Yes. Do I make connections to other subject areas when the opportunity arises? Yes. But, my class is completely seperate from social studies, science, and language arts. In considering the other two curriculum models, the integrative core curriculum intrigues me the most. Especially when I think about the social and personal problems faced by the student at DHS. I think they would thrive in an educational environment that placed their actual lives at the center of their education. If this was done, they would come to realize how a good educaiton can benefit them and improve thier lives.

3.Wiggins mentions the need to view curriculum in a modern way as opposed to a medieval view. Meaning that what is taught in our schools today is the same thing that has always been taught. "If it's aint broke, don't fix it." This mentality is what has gotten the edcuation sysem in the pickle that it's in. The unwillingness to make changes by teachers, administrators, districts, states... The students of today are not the same as they were 20 years ago. They do not have the same goals in life. It is no longer "OK" to go through life with only a high school diploma. Twenty years ago, someone who did not go on to college was still presented with opportunities for success. And, don't get me wrong, its still possible today, but not likely. Any job worth having requires a college education. If we don't view curriculum in a new "modern" way and make adjustments, students will not be ready to enter college after high school. Curriculum needs to be updated and made to be meaningful to the modern student if they are expected to place a high value on education and continue on to college.

Hello!

I am new to this whole blogging thing, so this should be an experience. I guess I should tell you a little abuot myself. I teach 7th and 9th grade math at Dayton High School. I have taught there for 4 years. Teaching is a second career for me. I worked in banking for about 12 years before deciding to make a change. I have an 11 yr old son and 2 dogs. I love sports, especially basketball. I coached high school girls for 2 years and am in the middle of my 2nd year coaching my son's team. I am definately looking forward to March Madness, Go Big Blue!!