Brennon Sapp Question One

Question: Identify one event from each century 1600, 1700, 1800, and 1900 that has affected the

development/growth/change in our curriculum. Explain what it did and why that was

important. Then explain how that event does/does not relate to KERA and our

curriculum today.

One of the events, which had a major impact on curriculum in the 1600's, is the settlement of puritans in Massachusetts. The puritans had a deep belief in god and wanted their children to have that same faith. Schools in the New England Colonies were organized to promote religion. Thus the early curriculum was composed primarily of reading and writing.

This was important so that the children could read and study scripture. Since bibles were the main source of printed books in this time period, it also allowed students to have a book to use and study. Reading was also very important so that the people could read notices of civil affairs.

The settling of the puritans must relate to our curriculum today because organized the first American schools. We continue to teach reading and writing, although we are not allowed to use the bible as the puritans used it. The aims of teaching students morals and ethics have remained an emphasis in education from the beginning. These were evident in the “Cardinal

Principles” put out by the Commission on the Reorganization of Secondary Education in 1918 and continue to be in our goals of today. KERA does not allow for the teaching of any one religion. The behavioral expectations in KERA are meant to assure that we teach our students good morals and ethics. This is one of the basic ideas behind the puritan schools. The forming of the “Academy” in the 1700’s had a significant impact on curriculum.

This form of secondary school was organized by Ben Franklin, which changed curriculum in several different ways. This was the first secondary school to allow women to attend. It was also one of the first vocational schools, that is, it had classes designed to teach trade. In addition, the “Academy” taught traditional subjects as they related to desired jobs. A student intent on becoming a bookkeeper learned the math and writing skills needed specifically for book keeping.

Students had their own curriculum and classes. The “Academy” was one of the first schools to give student’s different types of classes dependent upon their post graduation plans. According to Ellwood Cubberley, this was important because it allowed students to prepare for college or a job.

Some of the basic intentions of the “Academy” and still be seen today in our curriculum and throughout KERA. Individual graduation plans for example. Presently we try to give each of our students a base education, and still allow for them to take classes based upon their plans for the future. High schools also have vocational classes a student may take to learn a trade. In these classes students learn how to write and make calculations essential to each specific vacation, as was done in the “Academy”

The formation of kindergarten in the 1800’s impacted curriculum and continues to do so today. Kindergarten affected our schools structurally and academically. Kindergarten was organized during a time when society did not want their kids to be in school longer. As their children got older, they were needed to work for the welfare of the family. A student beginning school one year early was less of a strain on the family. In some cases it could even allow for a mother to complete more family chores. Kindergarten also affected schools curriculum simply by design. Froebel designed kindergarten around organized play and environment. He was also concerned about student interests. This allows kindergarten to be a place kids want to be. This was important because it was one of the first schools to use play as a form of teaching. It was the first time education could be fun for the students.

These ideas have been carried throughout the curriculum by KERA. We are now asking teachers to make all levels of curriculum relate to student interest. We attempt to teach in more educational environments and playful settings. If at all possible we (KERA) want to make education as painless and fun as possible, twelve more years of kindergarten.

The invention and continual advancement of computers has had an overwhelming effect upon curriculum in the 1900's. They will continue to affect our curriculum for many years to come. With the aid of computers, students have an educational aid unlike any former students.

Not only does the computer aid in instruction, grammar, spelling, and writing, but is arguably the most effective and efficient research tool available, when equipped with an internet connection.

The use of the computer in the classroom has demoted the importance of penmanship, spelling, and grammar. In addition we have access to more diverse and vast amounts of knowledge not previously possible. Students talented at computers can excel in areas they would never be able to without the aid of the computer. Currently, it is more important to be able to type than write in cursive. Having a paper turned in word-processed is the norm for secondary students. This is important because it allows student to advance to new heights by a means most enjoy and actually crave.

The computer has KERA written all over it. Technology is one of the most significant strands of KERA. We all have our students use computers to type their portfolios so the students can run a spell and grammar check. We teach students how to analyze data on spreadsheets and design presentations on power point. Our curriculum is continually becoming more and more technological. What is more technological than the computer?