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“I want to make a difference and change the world.” How are some people specifically working in schools to do just that? What role does curriculum play?. Distinctive Programs. 2 case studies. Coalition of Essential Schools. Ted Sizer at Brown University
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“I want to make a difference and change the world.” • How are some people specifically working in schools to do just that? What role does curriculum play?
Distinctive Programs 2 case studies
Coalition of Essential Schools • Ted Sizer at Brown University • Points out that in large secondary schools, students can go through school programs without becoming well acquainted with individual teachers who could mentor them. • Present practices of evaluating students places a premium on tests rather than using learned information in ways that make sense in the world beyond the school
Coalition of Essential Schools • Remedies: • All students follow the same curriculum. All schools should provide a strong, substantive education for all students – no tracking. • Less = more: students take math/science, the arts, and history/philosophy. Language proficiency is taught in the context of these three disciplines, as well as inquiry skills and study habits. • “Exhibitions” are complex presentations of the products of learning that would demonstrate to the school stakeholders that students can apply newly learned information. Students are encouraged to keep portfolios of the work. • High schools are subdivided into “houses.” • Extend the school year from 36 to 42 weeks.
Breakthrough High Schools • National Association of Secondary School Principals’ “roadmap” for reform. • 12 exemplary schools noted for: • Creating a safe and orderly school environment • Having shared values and a vision focused on high achievement for all students – a clear mission statement socializes students into the stated values, and makes the values clear to the community. • Holding high expectations for students and staff members • Supporting a personalized learning environment – advisory model • Shared leadership, decision making, and problem solving • Making decisions based on data – assessments, surveys, etc.
How will you, working in your specific discipline, prepare to meet some of these values/goals?