Today in class we pulled apart the drafts of the new curriculum and spent time trying to understand how it's different from the current IRPs (Integrated Resource Packages). I have heard mixed reviews about what it may look like and how teachers in the field feel about it right now. Most are intrigued and feel pretty positive about the general idea, while others are uncertain about what it will actually look like. As with any change in education there is an abundance of questions that remain unanswered...When will this new curriculum actually come into effect? What will happen with current resources/texts and will there be funding for new resources considering some of the course work has actually been moved around in the different grades? What about support for the transition? Questions, questions, questions. Of course, it's impossible to know the answers at this point but what I do appreciate is that dialogue is happening and the curriculum itself is focusing in on how the face of education is changing. The goals include becoming more individualized, focused on critical and creative thinking and embracing skill-based competencies that are over-arched by big ideas.
As a parent, with children in the public education system, I appreciate even more that assessment is being addressed and the goals include using assessment that is relevant and aligned with the curriculum and actually reflects the knowledge a student has gleaned throughout the year.
As a teacher, getting ready to join the public system, I am encouraged to know that I am entering a system that will give me freedom to teach to my students at whatever level they're at and will hold me accountable to report what my students actually know and test that knowledge in a way that is meaningful to individual students.
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