Dominique Capolongo

Chapter 10:
Curriculum, Standards,
and testing
November 6, 2017

Different Curriculums
 The Invisible Curriculum
Learnings that are not always intended but emerge as students are shaped by
the school culture, including attitudes and behaviors for teachers
The Saber- Tooth Curriculum
Includes the prehistoric times where New-Fist (an educator) watched children
of his tribe play with bones, sticks, and colored pebbles. He speculated on what
these children might learn that would help the tribe out with daily activities and
survival.
The Visible Curriculum
Refers to a set of courses and their content. It can be given in a guide,
description of courses offered, or perhaps some syllabi describing what the
students are supposed to learn at each grade level and subject.
The Extra-curriculum
Teaches the lessons students learn in school activities such as sports, clubs,
governance, and the student newspaper.
Who and What Shape the Curriculum?
Federal Government
Parents
Communities
Teachers
Colleges and Universities
Administrators
Local and State Government
Standardized test
Etc.

The Common Core

The governors and school chiefs decided to work together to create a single set of standards
and common grading criteria called the common core.

What is it?
Common core state standards identify the skills and
content a student should master at that certain grade
level from kindergarten through 12th grade, offering a consistent, clear understanding of what
students are expected to learn. The purpose is to graduate more competent students and bring
more rigor to the curriculum. Fewer topics would be covered but greater depth and mastery
required.

Problems with the Common Core

1. Is there consensus on a single set of core standard for all states and are the standards
the best we could hope for?
2. Are all states on board?
3. Do the standards reflect an appropriate direction for schools?
4. Are Common Core Standards the right direction for America?
5. Is a single set of Common Core Standards desirable?

-These are all questions that America asks involving the Common Core and an ample amount
of opposition to this topic. It's all about personal preference.-

Problems with Standardized Tests

Of course everyone has the right to their own opinion but their are many different reviews and
opinions on standardized testings. Although it may sound like the text is against it, standardized
test can help educators analyze the curriculum and teaching methods to see what's working- or
what needs to be changed, as well as identifying students who need additional help.
Here are some reasons high- stake tests are problems
1. Poorer students are at greater risk
a. Using the same test for all students, those in well-funded schools along with
students trying to learn in underfunded schools, ill- equipped schools-is grossly
unfair, and the outcome is predictable.
b. The students do not acquire equal education.
2. Lower Graduation Rates
a. If testing of these standards is linked to promotion and graduation, school
dropouts will increase.
 3. Higher test scores do not mean more than learning.
a. To many, teaching has become test preparation and learning is measured in test
scores. But this is not how teachers see it.
b. Not many teachers see standardized tests as an essential or important gauge of
student achievement. Teachers believe students do not take these test seriously
therefore they don't do well on them.
4. Standardize testing shrinks the curriculum.
a. Many teachers believe that their schools gives less attention to subjects that are
not on the state tests that could also be important subjects.
5. Teacher Stress
a. Although teachers promote high standards, They object to learning being
measured by a single test.

Technology in the classroom

Although computers have not proved to be the silver bullet that magically improves student
achievement, most adults believe that computers offer essential workplace skills. The public
sees computers in the classroom as a sign of educational progress, and increasingly, teachers
view technology as a central part of classroom life.
How do teachers use technology in the classroom?
Simulations
Re-create events, such as elections, cross- cultural
meetings, and historical events with amazing
realism that pulls students into another time or
place.
Data Sensors
Allow students to use scientific tools to collect data
measurements in real time on phenomena they are
studying.
Visual Field Trips
Transports students to ocean depths; outer space on NASAs shuttle site; and the
national zoo where zookeepers share knowledge of the animals and students
can talk with the experts

Internet resources Available to Teachers

 1. Broadcasting lectures and discussions
a. A way of teaching students even when they are not in class
2. Looking up information on the internet
a. For the use of studying
3. Teacher posts assignments and homework on a website
a. So students know what work to complete
**Not all areas of the world have access to internet so this may not be acceptable for all
schools. (Digital Divide)

Suggestions for Tomorrow's Curriculum

Now let's take a moment and do some critical thinking of our own. Imagine that you are in
charge of taking the schools down an educational path. What path would you blaze? What
content or skills do you see most critical?
1. Using and evaluating information
a. Technology brings us much information, that the challenge is not for teachers to
impart information that students should memorize, but to teach students to
separate the useful from the unnecessary, the accurate
from the inaccurate.
2. Critical Thinking Skills
a. Using more critical thinking skills in subjects from math
or history increases our higher-order thinking
3. Physical fitness
a. To many of our children confront obesity, diabetes, and
coronary disease in their lifetimes.
b. Teach new, fun activities that the student will be interested getting involved in
and staying fit such as rock climbing, yoga, running, etc.
4. Creativity
a. We have to remember we are people who have created art, media, and countless
inventions.
b. Promotion of creativity will keep your mind thinking and interested in the topic of
choice.
5. Collaborations and Human Relations
a. Too often we see the world marked by misunderstanding and anger, cultural,
class, and religious welfare; WIDESPREAD poverty; physical deprivation.
 i. Lack healthy appreciation for our backgrounds which we need to start
paying attention too
ii. Diversity should be celebrated
iii. Live purposefully and satisfying lives.