Analysis Of Curriculum 21: Essential Education For A Changing Classroom

Students who enter today’s classrooms are vastly different than those that entered classrooms fifty years ago, or even ten years ago. Family dynamics have changed, students are more diverse, social-emotional issues are evident, and technology is evolving, putting many students at an advantage over their classroom teachers. Yet, in spite of these differences, many of today’s classrooms continue to reflect those of yesteryear; desks in straight rows, curriculum that is far outdated, assessments that only ask for recall, and the teacher as the leader, merely providing content coverage. This type of classroom leads to students who are disengaged and unprepared for life beyond the classroom walls.
Perhaps the most important step in improving
She advocates for a complete overhaul, not a band-aid fix, of school systems’ stale curriculum. Through analysis of current content, she urges professionals to update their approaches by letting go of century-old ideals and content in order to meet the needs of our learners. She encourages school systems to implement a curriculum that is relevant to a 21st-century world that is rapidly changing (Jacobs, 2010, p.7). According to Jacobs (2010) school systems continue to rely on principles and structures that were established in the late 1800s, dating back to when the Committee of Ten released their report regarding the organization of schools. In their report, they “recommended that all students should be taught the same curriculum” (Jacobs, 2010, p.8). The Committee of Tens decisions are still evident over one hundred years later! Because of these outdated structures, Jacobs (2010) supports the overhaul of outdated curriculum to include curriculum that is relevant; one that will prepare students for life after their school