Alright, lets get this party started!!!

Why do we need to consider curriculum?
What a loaded question! Well, I teach in Ohio. For those who don't we have the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) in which I will make MANY references to. A high school sophomore must pass five two hour tests in five days on top of his/her schools requirements to graduate from high school. Thanks to No Child Left Behind we now must "teach the test." I do not like Standardized Tests! However, the hand we have been dealt dictates to us what is seen as important. So, curriculum is important to us so that we are covering the material that we will need in order to be successful on "The Test." Last year my school had its best outing --91% passed! The likely hood for us to do much better is not likely. To help continue this we now are using common assessment through out the year. Does anyone else use this?

What model of curriculum do you feel best fits my current role? What model are you most attracted to? what would be my preference?
I can answer all of these questions with one of three we read about. William G. Wraga's "Toward a Connected Core Curriculum." This format made the most logical sense to me. Years ago I team taught a Hughes High School. I am a history teacher and to team with the english teacher when we were studying WWI and they could read "All Quiet on the Western Front." This leads to a much more deep understanding of the material. They stay on the topic longer. It is not all chopped up and we can use differentiated instruction to help the students learn. This will also help with content knowledge, state benchmarks and indicators being addressed. I believe when students are exposed with differentiated instruction they will be more likely to learn whether they are kinesthtic, tactual, auditory or visual learners they would learn more with the connected core curriculum. With the article written by Grant Wiggins and having the students dictate the curriculum do to there interests. What about standardized tests (OGT) that are here to stay! I do not see how you can cover what is required if you did it this way. Also, what if you do not teach intrinsic learners? Many of us do not. As for Applebee's article on conversation curriculum. Again, we summon the mighty OGT. Students must have test taking and writing skills.

"Modern" Curriculum-
First and foremost it must deal with.... you guessed it! Standardized Tests! I think they way that could best fit this is the Connected Core Curriculum (CCC). It makes the most sense. Students will have a deeper understanding of the material being presented. I do buy into the new approach to curriculum. Understanding the material will lead to deeper understanding and the ability to "read" in to problems and develop problem solving skills. Now, kids can take tests better. We as teachers are held back. However, if you know you are using the CCC you can try and mix it up a little more. This could lead to some new and exciting lessons.

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