I had an interesting AET Zone meeting Sunday evening with my cross cohort group. As we talked about 21st Century Schools it became apparent that most professional educators are scared and skeptical of change. We want to teach what we know and how we know. The Tupper article provides this definition of curriculum “the collective story we tell our children about our past, our present, and our future” (P. 560). I’d never thought of curriculum as a narrative before and as I listened to the teachers in my group defend the old way of teaching reading and writing, I realized that most curriculum hasn’t changed that much over the last 100 years.
What will it take for the story we tell to change our approach to curriculum? My guess is that the answer lies somewhere is this statistic: “The proportion of K-12 teachers who are white has gone from 91 percent in 1986 to 92 percent in 1990 to 89 percent in 1996 to 85 percent in 2005” (Drs. Feistritzer and Haar 2005).
For a fascinating look at why education is stuck in the 20th century, check out the "PROFILE OF TEACHERS IN THE U.S. 2005" at http://www.ncei.com/POT05PRESSREL3.htm
Danielle
Comments (3)
Excellent article Danielle. Interesting how things are slowly changing. I like to think of curriculum as a narrative of our past, present and future, unfortunately some of the narrators continue to live in the past. But when we narrate a curriculum, remember all voices must be heard, not just the ones we choose.
Posted by Melanie | June 29, 2009 4:52 PM
Posted on June 29, 2009 16:52
Danielle,
"What do you do when those who are in power or who have dominant roles do not care to hear your narrative?"
Now don't get me wrong, everyone says that they are ready to embrace change, i.e. cultural differences, learning preferences, alternative visions, etc. However, it appears that when it comes to exhibiting these characteristics in hiring or in the promoting of minorities, into key leadership roles, many institutions are ‘deliberately resistant’ to this notion. In other words, if you read the mission, vision, and goal statements of a lot of educational institutions, words like "open mindedness", “inclusiveness”, and “appreciation for diversity” will be at the forefront; however, should you walk the campuses of these well-known institutions or visit their classrooms, I am afraid you may find no differences, much at all.
Change is happening, but at a very slow pace.
Your thoughts?
Johnny Smith
Posted by Johnny Smith | June 30, 2009 3:46 PM
Posted on June 30, 2009 15:46
In my little experience, its usually not the superstars or most dynamic or even those with the most ability who become your biggest allies in trying to implement change. Its the idea of using the foolish things to shame the wise. Its normally the oddball, the outcast, the one who doesn't have the dynamic giftings that provide a false sense of self. I think if you're really trying to start a revolution (of sorts), you make create your army out of the least likely places and pour into the ones who are willing to listen and who understand the cause.
For example, I'm sure you were passed over or dismissed by several teachers who thought you were just an athlete or of little hope to become a leader....and look at you now! Look around you for the least likely; I bet they'll surprise you!
Posted by Danielle | July 2, 2009 10:04 AM
Posted on July 2, 2009 10:04