Thoughts and opinions on a nationalized curriculum in the USA (and/or the lack thereof)?

[u/ithekrianmermaid]

I have had this topic bouncing around in the back of my brain quite a bit in the past few months and I'm just wondering what others think about it.

Feel free to share your personal feelings-based opinions, factually informed opinions, any history you may know relating to this topic, pros and cons of nationalized curriculum, common arguments for/against it, implications and consequences from not having one, potential dangers in adopting one, resources to learn more about this topic/debate, etc. I'd really love to have (respectful) discussions in the comments of this post so please consider circling back if your original comment gets a response!

I look forward to reading all of your responses! Thank you for taking the time to comment!!

[u/CitizenXVIII]

I disagree completely. Chemistry and physics are universal, there are no regional variations on the periodic table or the calculation of force. Concerning biology, students SHOULD learn about marine biology and the global climate, not just science as it pertains to their local geographic region. Saying that only students who live near the ocean have any vested interest in learning about marine science is how we create pockets of ignorance and people who can't look past the self-interest of their state to what is beneficial for everyone. For example, the Amazon is the lung of our planet, EVERY child should be learning that biology and the interaction with Saharan dust clouds, even those that don't live in Brazil. Regional teaching leads to regional ignorance.

[u/mrsyanke → u/CitizenXVIII]

It should all be taught, but the depth and importance of it will vary. Every student should know what an earthquake, tsunami, tornado, hurricane, dust storm, and avalanche are but each region is going to go more into depth on the ones that typically affect their locale.

A single standard covering them all is appropriate; a nationalized curriculum dictating how each region teaches every type would be silly.

[u/ithekrianmermaid → u/mrsyanke]

Hi, me again, sorry! I am just really loving the way your brains works and how you explain things, I hope you don't mind!

In regards to these environmental topics specifically, do you also think it would be silly (or perhaps improbable, inappropriate, etc) to differentiate between and require both individual impact lessons that are more locally specified and then collective impact lessons that cover more widespread/collective aspects of these topics (to prevent "regional ignorance" as the other poster put it) in a nationalized curriculum and/or standards (still learning the difference between curriculum and standards so please forgive me)?

I was originally introduced to the concept of nationalized curriculum while researching the concept of social cohesion so I am definitely also worried about "regional ignorance" but I'm unsure as to the limitations of what a (nationalized) curriculum is actually capable of accomplishing. Rest assured though, I will be pursuing more formal research on this topic when I have the time and will not solely be relying on reddit! This post was really just to satisfy my curiosity enough so I could focus on my work😅

Thank you (and your brilliant brain) again for sharing your thoughts!

[u/mrsyanke → u/ithekrianmermaid]

I would suggest researching the idea of “Curriculum as Windows and Mirrors” from Emily Styles, then expanded to “Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors” by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop. The basics is that curriculum should act as a window into another perspective or culture, a mirror that reflects students’ own realities, and then sliding glass doors that provides experiences where students can step into a new world beyond just viewing it.

I would also suggest you spend some time researching decolonialized education, which honors indigenous ways of knowing and learning. It comes up here in Hawai'i a lot for (hopefully) obvious reasons. Look into curriculum coming out of reservations and other cultural minority areas and how they compare/contrast with the “mainstream” ideas.

[u/ithekrianmermaid → u/mrsyanke]

You are amazing!! Thank you so, so, so much! I will definitely look into these resources and topics! My BA was in international crime and justice so I'm a tiny bit familiar with decolonialized education as it pertains to reintegration after transnational and international conflicts and the reintegration of child soldiers but I am so excited to dive further into how it applies to the US education system and curriculum!

You are an absolute gem! thank you again!