Axiom 3- Curriculum changes made from an earlier time can exist concurrently with newer curriculum changes at a later period of time. Curriculum changes should occur gradually. Keep what works, change what doesn't, and add what is needed to keep up with the times. There is no need to wipe it all out and start from scratch.
Axiom-6....Curriculum development is basically a decision-making process. Each individual teacher has his or her on philosophy so the curriculum is taught in various ways. However, it is important that standards are covered and assessments are accomplished positively. Each learner needs to have his or her needs met whether it is a gifted student or a struggling student. We need to remember that as much as the struggling student needs help the average student needs to be challenged in every way as well.
Axiom 7--Curriculum development is a never-ending process. We must continue to revise and monitor the curriculum in order to meet the needs of all students. We must strive to "keep up" with our ever changing society and provide new opportunities for our students, so that they can be successful in the 21st century. As learners change and technology unfolds, curriculum must change as well.
Axiom 4 - curriculum change results from changes in people. Six (or more) years ago, our county began the journey to develop differentiated instruction in all schools. There are still individuals who do not understand the concept, and really choose not to put the effort into understanding it or using it in the classroom. Our text states that some people may lack commitment if they are not involved in the contribution of making the change, and that a lack of enthusiastic support spills over to the students and I have seen both of these elements in my school building. Only now after six years are those few stragglers starting to come along with the rest of us on what has otherwise been a successful journey. My principal and I are often discussing the fact that we cannot be successful with this program until we are all implementing it at each grade level so that we can truly see student progress. It is definitely something that we are working on through continuous training and professional development.
Axiom 7--Curriculum Development in a never ending process. We are continually trying to give everything boundaries. We want things to have a set of guidlines and limitations. We must understand that curriculum and instruction cannot be given restraints. As studnets continue to change from one generation to the next, so too will/should curriculum and instruction. I feel that it is our responsibility as educators and educational leaders to ensure that the curriculum and the way in which we instruct stays ahead of societal and cultural changes.
Axiom 6-Curriculum development is basically a decision-making process.
I believe that my school needs to work on improving this axiom, because sometimes I feel like everyone in the school is trying to make choices for themselves. Instead, I feel like we should be working together to make these important decisions that cover a wide range of curriculum planning. It is important to keep the students at the center of why we have to make those decisions and be sure to make the best decisions possible.
Axiom 4 - Curriculum change results from changes in people. Is the axiom that our school needs to work on. It has been a job to get some people to jump on board when it comes to change. It seems that they cannot see the big picture of how curriculum change is always necessary in any educational setting no matter how much time it takes. Change in curriculum, staff and school culture is essential in order to prepare our students to be competitive and successful in the 21st century.
Axiom 2: A school curriculum not only reflects but is also a product of its time. Changes in society influence curriculum, as does technology growth and the need for education in areas such as health and personal welfare. As I look through the varied and interesting responses, I see this common thread of change and the need to stay current and responsive. I think this axiom is incredibly relevant at this point in time when no one seems to agree on a focus for curriculum and instruction.
Axiom 4: Curriculum change results from changes in people. The district only chooses a few people to work on curriculum. They do not have volunteers who would be willing to work onit. They have the principals assign a person from the schools. There also may not be a representative from all schools.
Axiom 7: Curriculum development is a never-process. Curriculum must change as society changes. Technology has brought about a variety of changes. Our district need to embrace those changes and be willing to educate its teachers in areas such as technology. I know a few older teachers who are "lost" when it comes to technology. They are afraid to learn and afraid to try anything new when it comes to technology.
Axiom 9: Curriculum should be looked at as a whole and not through trial and error. My school system needs to have a concrete goal/objective of where we want our curriculum to be instead of trying this and that to see what works the best for each department. Systematic development is very successful if the set of procedures are agreed upon and known by all those who are particpating. Many teachers feel that our professional development is a waste of time due to the repetition of curriculum organization that is department based instead of school wide curriculum improvement plans. "Two heads are always better than one".
Axiom 10…curriculum planner starts where the curriculum is, just as the teacher starts from where the students are. I choose this one for the reasons that follow: Small steps, nothing happens in big quantities over night. Slow and steady progress toward change allows time for testing and reflection. Most start with a previous curriculum, organizing the curriculum as a re-organization to the teaching process. Don’t throw out old planners ideas to just start over, if they are working, keep it going and add to it. Hold fast to what is good and go with it. Help the school to see the bigger picture of how change to curriculum development could be a positive change.
Axiom 4 - Curriculum change results from changes in people. Some schools in my system do not involve educators or parents in decisions of curriculum or improvement. They have the required committees but decisions are handed down from the top. This leads to those affected feeling uninvolved, which results in less enthusiasm and an overall negative attitude toward the changes. I also think my system needs to address the negative attitudes of teachers who do not want to get on board when changes are made. This leads to a negative school culture, which can be detremental when it comes to successful curriculum changes. In addition, we need to approach the parents of our community with possible changes to gain their support. Without the support of parents, I believe our changes will be unsuccessful.
Axiom 4- Curriculum change results from changes in people. We, at our school, do not have a very strong sense of community. The morale at our school is very down due to budget cuts, low staff number, high student number, and some other factors. Many teachers are just showing up to earn a pay check and not change the lives of our students. They use the excuse of "flexable scheduling" to show movies or play games all day long. The teachers do not want to change therefore curriculum will never change. That is what needs to improve on the most
I would have to say Axiom 3- Curriculum changes made at an earlier period of time can exist concurrently with newer curriculum changes at a later period of time. I think that at times we "abandon ship". Curriculum changes need to be phased in.
Axiom 4 Last year my school did a huge general curriculum revision, but included the same people who established the original curriculum. The result is a new book, a new name, and new group work, but the same lessons and curriculum.
Axiom 4: Curriculum changes results from changes in people. At my school sometimes it seems like its a real challenge to get teachers to jump on board with new ideas/curriculum that is implemented. When teachers show a lack of enthusiasm about the content, you can't expect the students to buy in either.
Donna Fortune I am an Axiom 4 believer as well. Changes in people are essential for any effective change in any curriculum or other aspect of the school environment. Everyone doesn't have to buy in, but as long as you get 80% consensus, research says that change can happen successfully.
Axiom 10:The curriculum planner starts from where the curriculum is, just as the teacher starts from where the students are. Big changes do not happen over night, as often they are expected to. We need to learn to take baby steps in the right direction and "tweek" it along the way if need be. Too often we, as teachers, are given a "new way" of doing things and expected to just make it happen. It cannot be forgotten that, just because we are the teacher, doesn't mean that we aren't also still learning.
Axiom 4 - Our division seems to be operating out of fear due to not making AYP last year. It seems, to me, that our district is only interested in making the SOL scores count. I hope this is a passing phase. We need to focus on the well rounded student not the good multiple choice testing student. I don't know of many careers that consist of multiple choice testing.
I believe that what is true of my division is true of most divisions: Axiom 4 is something that is essential; however, it is the most difficult aspect of developing a new curriculum. If everyone is not 'on board,' it is extremely difficult to get a program to be successful. Trying to implement any NEW thing is difficult simply due to the human element: People DO NOT like change. They think, "If it isn't broke, don't FIX it." What is wrong with getting better at something? Is it truly better to 'leave well enough alone'? These rhetorical questions are ones we must ask ourselves if we intend to see real change. The problem is, we may ask them of ourselves, but do others do the same thing? If not, then we have not achieved what we set out to do.
I hate to sound like Kirby's broken record, but we are in the same place. Axiom 4, curriculum change results from changes in people, is our most problematic. Both as a division and as an individual school, this seems to me to be a major weakness. We have morale and budget woes that are constantly holding us, and our students, back. In the summer of 2009 we got a new superintendent and have seen some changes within central office. These changes are positive, in my opinion, but improvements are sluggish and, as yet, I have not seen much improvement in my buidling. To embrace change and challenge the status quo, we need to be led by progressive thinkers - we need to hire more of them - soon!
Axiom 7. Curriculum development is a never-ending process. I feel that this axiom is something that my school district needs to embrace. Creating a perfect curriculum is something that cannot be achieved because there will always be ways to improve it. Students change and society changes therefore we are at a constant struggle to keep up with the changes to provide the best education for our students. Technology is something that changes at a very fast pace. Our school system needs to improve in this area creating changes in curriculum that involve new forms of technology. Once a strong curriculum is formed it must be constantly revised and researched to determine the updates that need to take place. As students change, we as educators must be ready and accept the changes as well.
Axiom6: Curriculum development is basically a decision-making process. In my school each teacher has his or her own understanding of the curriculum, so the curriculum decisions are made independently. There is no consensus on how or what the decisions should be. I think if we could work together the students would benefit.
Axiom 7- Curriculum development is a never-ending process. When I began my teaching career, I began in kindergarten. There was not a real curriculum in the school where I work. Within a few months of teaching, a new grant was awarded to the school and we were given a curriculum to use. During this first year of the grant, we had to follow this curriculum exactly as it was written. During the second year, we still had to follow the main curriculum; however, we were able to add a few supplemental resources in with this main curriculum. During each year of this grant we were given more freedom to add more resources that changed our curriculum. We no longer have this grant, but each year, our curriculum changes, even if it changes just a little. We attempt to keep up with the technology and demands of the times and as much as it constantly changes, so does our curriculum. We never have the same group of students and our curriculum has to meet the needs of the students that we have at the time. Recently, some of the Virginia SOLs changed. We have to change our curriculum when the SOLs change. We have to take away certain items that we have taught before or add new, depending on the SOLs at the time.
Axiom 8 - Curriculum is a comprehensive process I think at all levels of the curriculum planning, we have a tendency to focus on the trees of the curriculum and lose sight of the forest. We become so focused on the bullets of the standards to get our students ready for the test, that we lose sight of the larger understandings and skills. Prime examples are in math and science. In math, we are very good at teaching the algorithms that students need to be successful on a particular skill and subsequent test, but we fail to teach larger life skills such as problem-solving. As I often say to my teachers: there is a big difference between teaching how to solve a problem and teaching problem-solving. In science, again we are so focused on the particular bullets of the standards, that we fail to teach the true nature of scientific inquiry and research. In fact, as all of the news reports come out about the great scientist and researchers coming out of other countries, I think we have to face up to the fact that this may be a direct result of some of the very skills and traits that once made our country a leader in the world being taken out of our schools because of high stakes testing. Education has been reduced to a multiple choice test. I find great hope in the inclusion of work/ college readiness skills in the new standards and the addition of innovative testing items on our high stakes test. I hope this is a move toward more authentic learning and assessment.
Axiom #7- Curriculum is a never-ending process. I think many teachers in our district believe that the curriculum starts and ends with the SOL's. Yes they are a major part but I don't believe that they should be set in stone. I appreciate the change in the SOL's, and feel like we should never be at a stand still when it comes to student learning and curriculum.
I agree with many of you as the axiom my school needs to work on is number 4: Curriculum change results from the changes in people. I do believe that when a curriculum change is to take place, the decision makers know this and work towards changing people. The issue is how difficult this really is to do. So while an attempt is made to change people's mind set, it is not always successful.
I will also have to agree that axiom 4: Curriculum change results from changes in people. Our county is making progress with involving more individuals with curriculum decisions but we are still not completely there. I believe this process takes time and unfortunately, time is not always used wisely when making curriculum decisions. If we can increase involvement, I believe we will see increased commitment.
Axiom 7 would be the most beneficial to my school division. Curriculum is a never-ending process that requires changes based upon the needs of learners, social changes, advancement in technology, and the unveiling of new knowledge. therefore, its important to evaluate the current curriculum and set goals and objectives that allows for modification. Monitoring the curriculum is necessary in order to implement new changes over a period of time.
Since I have only been an observer, I believe that the small school division that I work for does really well with all of these axioms, however, of all of them I believe that we are so caught up in "best practice", which is wonderful, that we forget that "curriculum changes made at an earlier period of time CAN exist concurrently with newer curriculum changes at a later period of time." (axiom 3) This would make transition easier on the teachers, as well, and certainly help with axiom 4 and 5.
I may get myself in trouble on this comment BUT...my school needs to improve in the area of Axiom #1: Change is both inevitable and necessary, for it is through change that life forms grow and develop. I am amazed at the number of teachers at our school that are so reluctant to change. The phrase "Its my way or the highway" seems to ring true in their classrooms. We experience changes from day to day and we need to have the ability to accept those changes and step up to the challenges. Some of these changes that we experience might be bigger like going from a traditional schedule to a block schedule or more individual in nature like how to work with a student who works after school and rarely completes homework. As an educator we must realize that what used to work won't always work but we must be able to adapt to situations in order to promote the successof all students.
I think Axiom 2 is something that my district needs to work on. I am not sure that our curriculum is a true reflection on the increased pluralism in our region, on the health needs of the students, or on the importance of technology in the world. While we, as educators are aware of those rapidly changing concepts, our teaching does not reflect that. While I am typing, I am thinking that maybe our curriculum is ok, and it is the instruction or the delivery that is short changing the students.
Axiom #6. The Decision-Making Process.To be more specific, choices of methods. We need to look at the best way to teach our students and standardize this approach for each school. It seems that some schools in our division are using one approach, while others use something entirely different. I feel that getting on the same page would benefit all those involved.
Axiom #7 Curriculum development is a never ending process. While my school system is in the midst of a tremendous amount of change due to budget constraints, a tremendous emphasis on standardized tests, and a recent move to block scheduling, we need to embrace this change rather than resist it. I fear that in today's "social media", if teachers resist change rather than adapting and adjusting with it, than they themselves along with our students will suffer the most.
It appears to me that curriulum is delivered based upon the assessments. The same assessments that fund our schools at the state and federal level. We can change it and talk about but the "skeleton" has to be taught and taught in the way that it is going to be assessed. With that being said, instruction of the curriculum is ALWAYS changing based on your student needs and demographics. High poverty areas need varied instruction and high second language schools need varied instruction. There is no "standard way" of delivering curriculum because every classroom has different needs. I would have to agree with Rachel in saying the curriculum is OK but we, as educators, need to adapt the instruction to the demands of society and the needs of our students so that they may continue to succeed after they leave us.
In my opinino, I have to say that the Axiom #1 best describes my school division. The Axiom states that change is inevitable and necessary in the curriculum process. If one were to look at the Henry County area in the past 20 years, I believe that the school system has without a doubt found ways to make our students wildly successful. Also, this has called upon the school system to make tough and drastic decisions at times, that people may not always agree with. However, in the spirit of an administrator they perhaps have learned to lose the small battles in the battle for the war.
At the middle school I believe that we score fairly well on all ten axioms. The Axiom we need to work on the most would be Axiom 10. There are times when we want to throw everything out and start over with a new plan instead of revamping the old. We should keep what works. The school is always looking for a quick fix and not patiently giving the present curriculum time.I think with the pressure of testing we feel we do not have the time to give the curriculum a try. We want results now!
Axiom 9 - My school needs to improve on systematic curriculum development as opposed to trial and error. For example, our Math SOL scores are poor and upon further exploration, we have learned that we don't even have an actual Math curriculum for secondary schools. Furthermore, we are teaching about one grade behind of what is expected. There needs to be more uniform models of curriculum development.
Axiom 4, curriculum change results from changes in people. This would be the problem which needs to be most directly worked on in our school. Our county is known for having a rapid turn over in the central office. Each time someone new comes in, it seems more pressure is put on everyone to make changes that do not necessarily need to be made. I am not saying change is bad, but don't fix something that is not broken. This seems to bring morale down in our building level yearly.
Axiom 6, Decision-Making Process, it definitely an areas of weakness for my school and school devision where curriculum is concerned. Being in a school that using direct instruction for reading, there has never been any conversations concerning the selection of a program. We were just told what to do and how to do it! Because the decision-making process didn't occur, we had to revamp our reading program after three 9-weeks, when we realized it wasn't meeting the needs of our students. Being part of the decision-making process tends to create buy-in which is critical when changes are being made.
I am in line with several other people, in that Axiom 4 is something that my school system needs to work on improving. In my particular system there are a large number of people who have been around for a very long time and who are not interested in changing. They beleive that if things are not broken, there is no need to fix them. This kind of ideal is something that will prevent our school system from moving forward.
Axiom 3- Curriculum changes made from an earlier time can exist concurrently with newer curriculum changes at a later period of time.
ReplyDeleteCurriculum changes should occur gradually. Keep what works, change what doesn't, and add what is needed to keep up with the times. There is no need to wipe it all out and start from scratch.
Axiom-6....Curriculum development is basically a decision-making process. Each individual teacher has his or her on philosophy so the curriculum is taught in various ways. However, it is important that standards are covered and assessments are accomplished positively. Each learner needs to have his or her needs met whether it is a gifted student or a struggling student. We need to remember that as much as the struggling student needs help the average student needs to be challenged in every way as well.
ReplyDeleteAxiom 7--Curriculum development is a never-ending process. We must continue to revise and monitor the curriculum in order to meet the needs of all students. We must strive to "keep up" with our ever changing society and provide new opportunities for our students, so that they can be successful in the 21st century. As learners change and technology unfolds, curriculum must change as well.
ReplyDeleteAxiom 4 - curriculum change results from changes in people. Six (or more) years ago, our county began the journey to develop differentiated instruction in all schools. There are still individuals who do not understand the concept, and really choose not to put the effort into understanding it or using it in the classroom. Our text states that some people may lack commitment if they are not involved in the contribution of making the change, and that a lack of enthusiastic support spills over to the students and I have seen both of these elements in my school building. Only now after six years are those few stragglers starting to come along with the rest of us on what has otherwise been a successful journey. My principal and I are often discussing the fact that we cannot be successful with this program until we are all implementing it at each grade level so that we can truly see student progress. It is definitely something that we are working on through continuous training and professional development.
ReplyDeleteAxiom 7--Curriculum Development in a never ending process. We are continually trying to give everything boundaries. We want things to have a set of guidlines and limitations. We must understand that curriculum and instruction cannot be given restraints. As studnets continue to change from one generation to the next, so too will/should curriculum and instruction. I feel that it is our responsibility as educators and educational leaders to ensure that the curriculum and the way in which we instruct stays ahead of societal and cultural changes.
ReplyDeleteAxiom 6-Curriculum development is basically a decision-making process.
ReplyDeleteI believe that my school needs to work on improving this axiom, because sometimes I feel like everyone in the school is trying to make choices for themselves. Instead, I feel like we should be working together to make these important decisions that cover a wide range of curriculum planning. It is important to keep the students at the center of why we have to make those decisions and be sure to make the best decisions possible.
Axiom 4 - Curriculum change results from changes in people. Is the axiom that our school needs to work on. It has been a job to get some people to jump on board when it comes to change. It seems that they cannot see the big picture of how curriculum change is always necessary in any educational setting no matter how much time it takes. Change in curriculum, staff and school culture is essential in order to prepare our students to be competitive and successful in the 21st century.
ReplyDeleteAxiom 2: A school curriculum not only reflects but is also a product of its time. Changes in society influence curriculum, as does technology growth and the need for education in areas such as health and personal welfare. As I look through the varied and interesting responses, I see this common thread of change and the need to stay current and responsive. I think this axiom is incredibly relevant at this point in time when no one seems to agree on a focus for curriculum and instruction.
ReplyDeleteAxiom 4: Curriculum change results from changes in people. The district only chooses a few people to work on curriculum. They do not have volunteers who would be willing to work onit. They have the principals assign a person from the schools. There also may not be a representative from all schools.
ReplyDeleteAxiom 7: Curriculum development is a never-process. Curriculum must change as society changes. Technology has brought about a variety of changes. Our district need to embrace those changes and be willing to educate its teachers in areas such as technology. I know a few older teachers who are "lost" when it comes to technology. They are afraid to learn and afraid to try anything new when it comes to technology.
ReplyDeleteAxiom 9: Curriculum should be looked at as a whole and not through trial and error. My school system needs to have a concrete goal/objective of where we want our curriculum to be instead of trying this and that to see what works the best for each department. Systematic development is very successful if the set of procedures are agreed upon and known by all those who are particpating. Many teachers feel that our professional development is a waste of time due to the repetition of curriculum organization that is department based instead of school wide curriculum improvement plans. "Two heads are always better than one".
ReplyDeleteAxiom 10…curriculum planner starts where the curriculum is, just as the teacher starts from where the students are. I choose this one for the reasons that follow: Small steps, nothing happens in big quantities over night. Slow and steady progress toward change allows time for testing and reflection. Most start with a previous curriculum, organizing the curriculum as a re-organization to the teaching process. Don’t throw out old planners ideas to just start over, if they are working, keep it going and add to it. Hold fast to what is good and go with it. Help the school to see the bigger picture of how change to curriculum development could be a positive change.
ReplyDeleteAxiom 4 - Curriculum change results from changes in people. Some schools in my system do not involve educators or parents in decisions of curriculum or improvement. They have the required committees but decisions are handed down from the top. This leads to those affected feeling uninvolved, which results in less enthusiasm and an overall negative attitude toward the changes. I also think my system needs to address the negative attitudes of teachers who do not want to get on board when changes are made. This leads to a negative school culture, which can be detremental when it comes to successful curriculum changes. In addition, we need to approach the parents of our community with possible changes to gain their support. Without the support of parents, I believe our changes will be unsuccessful.
ReplyDeleteAxiom 4- Curriculum change results from changes in people. We, at our school, do not have a very strong sense of community. The morale at our school is very down due to budget cuts, low staff number, high student number, and some other factors. Many teachers are just showing up to earn a pay check and not change the lives of our students. They use the excuse of "flexable scheduling" to show movies or play games all day long. The teachers do not want to change therefore curriculum will never change. That is what needs to improve on the most
ReplyDeleteI would have to say Axiom 3- Curriculum changes made at an earlier period of time can exist concurrently with newer curriculum changes at a later period of time. I think that at times we "abandon ship". Curriculum changes need to be phased in.
ReplyDeleteKirby,
ReplyDeleteSound like a sad situation at your school for both the students and the faculty. May the sun shine soon and brightly upon your school
Axiom 4
ReplyDeleteLast year my school did a huge general curriculum revision, but included the same people who established the original curriculum. The result is a new book, a new name, and new group work, but the same lessons and curriculum.
Axiom 4:
ReplyDeleteCurriculum changes results from changes in people. At my school sometimes it seems like its a real challenge to get teachers to jump on board with new ideas/curriculum that is implemented. When teachers show a lack of enthusiasm about the content, you can't expect the students to buy in either.
Donna Fortune
ReplyDeleteI am an Axiom 4 believer as well. Changes in people are essential for any effective change in any curriculum or other aspect of the school environment. Everyone doesn't have to buy in, but as long as you get 80% consensus, research says that change can happen successfully.
Axiom 10:The curriculum planner starts from where the curriculum is, just as the teacher starts from where the students are.
ReplyDeleteBig changes do not happen over night, as often they are expected to. We need to learn to take baby steps in the right direction and "tweek" it along the way if need be. Too often we, as teachers, are given a "new way" of doing things and expected to just make it happen. It cannot be forgotten that, just because we are the teacher, doesn't mean that we aren't also still learning.
Axiom 4 - Our division seems to be operating out of fear due to not making AYP last year. It seems, to me, that our district is only interested in making the SOL scores count. I hope this is a passing phase. We need to focus on the well rounded student not the good multiple choice testing student. I don't know of many careers that consist of multiple choice testing.
ReplyDeleteI believe that what is true of my division is true of most divisions: Axiom 4 is something that is essential; however, it is the most difficult aspect of developing a new curriculum. If everyone is not 'on board,' it is extremely difficult to get a program to be successful. Trying to implement any NEW thing is difficult simply due to the human element: People DO NOT like change. They think, "If it isn't broke, don't FIX it." What is wrong with getting better at something? Is it truly better to 'leave well enough alone'? These rhetorical questions are ones we must ask ourselves if we intend to see real change. The problem is, we may ask them of ourselves, but do others do the same thing? If not, then we have not achieved what we set out to do.
ReplyDeleteI hate to sound like Kirby's broken record, but we are in the same place. Axiom 4, curriculum change results from changes in people, is our most problematic. Both as a division and as an individual school, this seems to me to be a major weakness. We have morale and budget woes that are constantly holding us, and our students, back. In the summer of 2009 we got a new superintendent and have seen some changes within central office. These changes are positive, in my opinion, but improvements are sluggish and, as yet, I have not seen much improvement in my buidling. To embrace change and challenge the status quo, we need to be led by progressive thinkers - we need to hire more of them - soon!
ReplyDeleteAxiom 7. Curriculum development is a never-ending process.
ReplyDeleteI feel that this axiom is something that my school district needs to embrace. Creating a perfect curriculum is something that cannot be achieved because there will always be ways to improve it. Students change and society changes therefore we are at a constant struggle to keep up with the changes to provide the best education for our students. Technology is something that changes at a very fast pace. Our school system needs to improve in this area creating changes in curriculum that involve new forms of technology. Once a strong curriculum is formed it must be constantly revised and researched to determine the updates that need to take place. As students change, we as educators must be ready and accept the changes as well.
Axiom6: Curriculum development is basically a decision-making process. In my school each teacher has his or her own understanding of the curriculum, so the curriculum decisions are made independently. There is no consensus on how or what the decisions should be. I think if we could work together the students would benefit.
ReplyDeleteAxiom 7- Curriculum development is a never-ending process. When I began my teaching career, I began in kindergarten. There was not a real curriculum in the school where I work. Within a few months of teaching, a new grant was awarded to the school and we were given a curriculum to use. During this first year of the grant, we had to follow this curriculum exactly as it was written. During the second year, we still had to follow the main curriculum; however, we were able to add a few supplemental resources in with this main curriculum. During each year of this grant we were given more freedom to add more resources that changed our curriculum. We no longer have this grant, but each year, our curriculum changes, even if it changes just a little. We attempt to keep up with the technology and demands of the times and as much as it constantly changes, so does our curriculum. We never have the same group of students and our curriculum has to meet the needs of the students that we have at the time. Recently, some of the Virginia SOLs changed. We have to change our curriculum when the SOLs change. We have to take away certain items that we have taught before or add new, depending on the SOLs at the time.
ReplyDeleteAxiom 8 - Curriculum is a comprehensive process
ReplyDeleteI think at all levels of the curriculum planning, we have a tendency to focus on the trees of the curriculum and lose sight of the forest. We become so focused on the bullets of the standards to get our students ready for the test, that we lose sight of the larger understandings and skills. Prime examples are in math and science. In math, we are very good at teaching the algorithms that students need to be successful on a particular skill and subsequent test, but we fail to teach larger life skills such as problem-solving. As I often say to my teachers: there is a big difference between teaching how to solve a problem and teaching problem-solving. In science, again we are so focused on the particular bullets of the standards, that we fail to teach the true nature of scientific inquiry and research. In fact, as all of the news reports come out about the great scientist and researchers coming out of other countries, I think we have to face up to the fact that this may be a direct result of some of the very skills and traits that once made our country a leader in the world being taken out of our schools because of high stakes testing. Education has been reduced to a multiple choice test. I find great hope in the inclusion of work/ college readiness skills in the new standards and the addition of innovative testing items on our high stakes test. I hope this is a move toward more authentic learning and assessment.
Axiom #7- Curriculum is a never-ending process. I think many teachers in our district believe that the curriculum starts and ends with the SOL's. Yes they are a major part but I don't believe that they should be set in stone. I appreciate the change in the SOL's, and feel like we should never be at a stand still when it comes to student learning and curriculum.
ReplyDeleteI agree with many of you as the axiom my school needs to work on is number 4: Curriculum change results from the changes in people. I do believe that when a curriculum change is to take place, the decision makers know this and work towards changing people. The issue is how difficult this really is to do. So while an attempt is made to change people's mind set, it is not always successful.
ReplyDeleteI will also have to agree that axiom 4: Curriculum change results from changes in people. Our county is making progress with involving more individuals with curriculum decisions but we are still not completely there. I believe this process takes time and unfortunately, time is not always used wisely when making curriculum decisions. If we can increase involvement, I believe we will see increased commitment.
ReplyDeleteAxiom 7 would be the most beneficial to my school division. Curriculum is a never-ending process that requires changes based upon the needs of learners, social changes, advancement in technology, and the unveiling of new knowledge. therefore, its important to evaluate the current curriculum and set goals and objectives that allows for modification. Monitoring the curriculum is necessary in order to implement new changes over a period of time.
ReplyDeleteSince I have only been an observer, I believe that the small school division that I work for does really well with all of these axioms, however, of all of them I believe that we are so caught up in "best practice", which is wonderful, that we forget that "curriculum changes made at an earlier period of time CAN exist concurrently with newer curriculum changes at a later period of time." (axiom 3) This would make transition easier on the teachers, as well, and certainly help with axiom 4 and 5.
ReplyDeleteI may get myself in trouble on this comment BUT...my school needs to improve in the area of Axiom #1: Change is both inevitable and necessary, for it is through change that life forms grow and develop. I am amazed at the number of teachers at our school that are so reluctant to change. The phrase "Its my way or the highway" seems to ring true in their classrooms. We experience changes from day to day and we need to have the ability to accept those changes and step up to the challenges. Some of these changes that we experience might be bigger like going from a traditional schedule to a block schedule or more individual in nature like how to work with a student who works after school and rarely completes homework. As an educator we must realize that what used to work won't always work but we must be able to adapt to situations in order to promote the successof all students.
ReplyDeleteI think Axiom 2 is something that my district needs to work on. I am not sure that our curriculum is a true reflection on the increased pluralism in our region, on the health needs of the students, or on the importance of technology in the world. While we, as educators are aware of those rapidly changing concepts, our teaching does not reflect that. While I am typing, I am thinking that maybe our curriculum is ok, and it is the instruction or the delivery that is short changing the students.
ReplyDeleteAxiom #6. The Decision-Making Process.To be more specific, choices of methods. We need to look at the best way to teach our students and standardize this approach for each school. It seems that some schools in our division are using one approach, while others use something entirely different. I feel that getting on the same page would benefit all those involved.
ReplyDeleteAxiom #7 Curriculum development is a never ending process. While my school system is in the midst of a tremendous amount of change due to budget constraints, a tremendous emphasis on standardized tests, and a recent move to block scheduling, we need to embrace this change rather than resist it. I fear that in today's "social media", if teachers resist change rather than adapting and adjusting with it, than they themselves along with our students will suffer the most.
ReplyDeleteIt appears to me that curriulum is delivered based upon the assessments. The same assessments that fund our schools at the state and federal level. We can change it and talk about but the "skeleton" has to be taught and taught in the way that it is going to be assessed. With that being said, instruction of the curriculum is ALWAYS changing based on your student needs and demographics. High poverty areas need varied instruction and high second language schools need varied instruction. There is no "standard way" of delivering curriculum because every classroom has different needs. I would have to agree with Rachel in saying the curriculum is OK but we, as educators, need to adapt the instruction to the demands of society and the needs of our students so that they may continue to succeed after they leave us.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinino, I have to say that the Axiom #1 best describes my school division. The Axiom states that change is inevitable and necessary in the curriculum process. If one were to look at the Henry County area in the past 20 years, I believe that the school system has without a doubt found ways to make our students wildly successful. Also, this has called upon the school system to make tough and drastic decisions at times, that people may not always agree with. However, in the spirit of an administrator they perhaps have learned to lose the small battles in the battle for the war.
ReplyDeleteAt the middle school I believe that we score fairly well on all ten axioms. The Axiom we need to work on the most would be Axiom 10. There are times when we want to throw everything out and start over with a new plan instead of revamping the old. We should keep what works. The school is always looking for a quick fix and not patiently giving the present curriculum time.I think with the pressure of testing we feel we do not have the time to give the curriculum a try. We want results now!
ReplyDeleteAxiom 9 - My school needs to improve on systematic curriculum development as opposed to trial and error. For example, our Math SOL scores are poor and upon further exploration, we have learned that we don't even have an actual Math curriculum for secondary schools. Furthermore, we are teaching about one grade behind of what is expected. There needs to be more uniform models of curriculum development.
ReplyDeleteAxiom 4, curriculum change results from changes in people. This would be the problem which needs to be most directly worked on in our school. Our county is known for having a rapid turn over in the central office. Each time someone new comes in, it seems more pressure is put on everyone to make changes that do not necessarily need to be made. I am not saying change is bad, but don't fix something that is not broken. This seems to bring morale down in our building level yearly.
ReplyDeleteAxiom 6, Decision-Making Process, it definitely an areas of weakness for my school and school devision where curriculum is concerned. Being in a school that using direct instruction for reading, there has never been any conversations concerning the selection of a program. We were just told what to do and how to do it! Because the decision-making process didn't occur, we had to revamp our reading program after three 9-weeks, when we realized it wasn't meeting the needs of our students. Being part of the decision-making process tends to create buy-in which is critical when changes are being made.
ReplyDeleteI am in line with several other people, in that Axiom 4 is something that my school system needs to work on improving. In my particular system there are a large number of people who have been around for a very long time and who are not interested in changing. They beleive that if things are not broken, there is no need to fix them. This kind of ideal is something that will prevent our school system from moving forward.
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