The American curriculum is an exchange in which students learn not only practical information but also the traditions and cultural expectations of their homes, communities, and future work environments. Educators must provide an environment in which students may engage in “broader cultural traditions and schooled knowledge” (Applebee, 1996). The question is: How do they engage?
Curriculum is heavily influenced by historical and social conditions. To add to the complexity, educational philosophies diverge over what and how to teach. For example, the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers have developed the national Common Core State Standards to help educators follow consistent standards and benchmarks in teaching and learning. However, not all 50 states have adopted these standards because educational leaders and other stakeholders disagree on what students should learn. As an educator, you must foster students’ allegiance to democracy while balancing cultural and social constraints. It is important to examine the impact local and national governments have on how public schools are created and managed. In doing so, you will gain an understanding of society’s impact on American education.
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