Curriculum Commentary

My guides arrived in the mail yesterday. Aside from the fact that I had the stomach flu for three days in a row, it was the highlight of my weekend. I have given the main docs a cursory glance. Thus far I have completed the preliminary booklet.

First impressions?

In the Beginning, there was The Curriculum, and The Curriculum was of The Ministry, and The Curriculum was The Ministry.

Two things caught my eye immediately. I'm quoting from pg 15 of Grade 9-12 Program Planning and Assessment:

"The report card focuses on two distinct but related aspects of student achievement: the achievement of curriculum expectations and the development of learning skills." (My emphasis.)

Now.

I'm no Einstein. But immediately when I saw the above, I was suspicious. Shouldn't the italicized words be paramount, above all teachers' goals? Immediately, I am wary of this curriculum's "expectations".

If a student's progress doesn't meet "curriculum expectations", what then? Does it mean that she or he isn't learning? It seems that it does to somebody. Why is this distinction made?

I also note:

"Thirty per cent of [a student's overall grades] will be based on a final evaluation in the form of an examination, performance, essay, and/or other method of evaluation..." Again from page 15.

So...Why am I smiling?

Did I mention...That although I plan on being a teacher...I HATE tests?!?

Well, it's out now. Too late to take it back.

Curriculum Verdict?

So far so bad. This is what I feel.

I have come to believe that teaching is a common-sense job. (I mean, I know it takes more than common sense, but work with me for the sake of argument, people. By common sense, I mean we teachers are an intelligent, articulate bunch. And then some.) Suffice it to say I know that those involved in most aspects of our education system have plenty of common-sense.

Honestly. If your idea of giving your kids an education is letting 'em fritter away their time shooting spitballs at each other--for no reason--then guess what? You probably shouldn't be teaching.

Chances are, those who teach, or want to, aren't in the game for the halftime show. They're in it to win it.

They (we) love kids. They have faith in our youth. They want to invest in their potential. They believe that as teachers, they have something to both gain and offer.

Education...GOOD, quality education, to me, is about sharing. I could go on, but I would be disclosing my educational philosophy.

I realize that everyone has to be told how to do their job to an extent. But oy vey.