Is Changing Public School Curriculum Possible?

The answer to this question largely depends on who you are and the mechanisms in place within the school system. Whether you are a concerned teacher, a parent, or a student, there are structured ways to initiate changes in the curriculum.

For Teachers:

As an integral part of the curriculum planning team, teachers have a direct impact on the development of the educational path followed by students. If you notice areas in the curriculum that need modification or deletion, you can raise your concerns during ongoing meetings. Engaging in discussions and proposing changes can lead to tangible results. Collaborative efforts within the team can drive such modifications, ensuring that they align with the educational objectives and the needs of students.

For Parents and Students:

If you are a parent or a student and do not have a direct role in the curriculum planning, it is still possible to initiate changes. One effective approach is to write a letter to the course planning committee expressing your concerns. Ensure that your letter is well-structured, providing clear evidence and specific reasons why the curriculum should be changed. Supporting documents or data can strengthen your case, making it more compelling for the committee to consider your suggestions.

Common Factors Leading to Curriculum Changes

Most changes in the public school curriculum are brought about through a comprehensive curriculum evaluation process. This evaluation may be prompted by external factors such as:

Legislative Requirements: Changes may be mandated by government laws or regulations to ensure that the curriculum meets certain standards. Funding Agency Calls: When funding agencies require or suggest adjustments to improve the educational outcomes, curriculum modifications may ensue.

In addition to these, the curriculum may change due to external initiatives such as the Common Core, where educational policies are implemented from the top down, or through teachers' active experimentation with new materials and innovative teaching methods.

Step-by-step Process to Initiate Change

Assemble Evidence and Data: Gather relevant information that supports your case for the change. This could include student performance data, feedback from teachers, and any other supporting documentation. Engage in Discussion: Share your findings and insights with your colleagues or the curriculum planning team to build a consensus. Collective efforts are more likely to yield positive results. Write a Persuasive Letter: If necessary, compose a formal letter to the curriculum planning committee. This letter should clearly articulate your concerns and provide specific reasons why the changes are necessary. Submit Your Proposal: Present your proposal during the curriculum planning meetings or submit it to the relevant committee. Follow up with reminders and provide additional information if needed. Follow Up: After the proposal is submitted, maintain communication with the committee. Follow up regularly to ensure that your proposal is being considered. Persistence is key.

Conclusion

Changing the public school curriculum may seem challenging, but it is certainly possible through structured processes and collective efforts. Whether you are a teacher, a parent, or a student, there are ways to advocate for needed changes. Understanding the factors that lead to curriculum changes, using a step-by-step process, and maintaining persistence can significantly increase the chances of implementing the desired modifications.