Curriculum Theory - Reflection #1

What are your philosophical beliefs about the purpose of school, about what subjects should be taught, and about how students learn? How does your work demonstrate your belief?

Personally I feel that education plays the role of preparing students for world beyond school: being a productive member of the community, playing an active role in the workforce, and participating in and maintaining a productive familial unit. I think that it is essential that all core curricular subjects (science, math, English, social studies) are taught to each student every year of school as they give students the basic knowledge of how the world around them operates. Students should also be given opportunities to take other electives courses that they are interested in. Varied learning styles should also be taken into consideration when administrators construct curricular goals and teachers plan lessons. All students do not learn the same, yet all should be given the opportunity to be actively engaged in their learning environment.

I work at an alternative high school and I truly believe that the work I do reflects my philosophical beliefs. At my school we not only emphasize the importance of academic goals but we also take pride in making sure students learn social norms as well. Students are expected to uphold high standards regarding dress code and communication. Our uniform policy is strictly enforced and well as a no tolerance policy for inappropriate verbal conduct and sexual harassment. We frequently remind students that when they enter the workforce there will be expectations regarding these types of behaviors, so we are just simply helping them make the transition more easier.
We also realize that while all students must meet certain requirements regarding course selection they are not all college bound. For that reason we require that all students in 10th and 11th grades attend an off site vocational/technical educational program. Research has proven that students in vo-tech programs are less likely to skip school and fail classes. In addition, once these students complete these two year programs, they are also able to attain certification in the areas they have trained in, making them more marketable in the workplace.
As a firm believers in varied learning styles I am currently attempting to find more ways to assess student knowledge. I have got into the practice of providing at least two assessment options when testing students on units. I have also started using different ways of delivering instructing. I used to be a strict textbook teacher, but I am now finding more ways to instruct students (online clips, web quests, collaborative groups). It has proved difficult due to time constraints, but I am getting better as each year passes.