Setting up Curriculum During elementary school, my teachers focused on preparing my class for taking standardized tests. My education of multiple choices, fill in the blank, and short answer tests did not prepare me for college or how to think critically. The years of elementary school are important for a child. Children who learn early are able to retain more information when they are older. Elementary education should focus on preparing students for entering higher education institutions. The curriculum in elementary schools does not prepare students to take honors or advanced classes in high school. As a result, students fall behind in college. High schools teach students what they should have learned in elementary school which prevents high schools from teaching students how to construct a resume, then apply and interview for a job. Learning how to take tests is an important skill because it teaches students how to take tests without anxiety and stress; however, test skills should not be the main focus of elementary curriculum. How should the elementary curriculum be set up? Elementary curriculum needs to prepare students for high school and college. Elementary schools should teach students the basics so when students get to high school, their classes can focus on college preparatory or vocational schools. Most high schools do not teach students how to get jobs, balance a checkbook, or vote. If elementary schools taught students more of the basic skills such as typing and algebra, high schools can emphasize financial and government classes. According to Chester Finn and Diane Ravitch, well-known school critics, “The liberal arts make us “competitive” in the ways that matter most.” (qtd. In Berliner, 292). High schools need to focus on government classes to instill a sense of belonging and democracy. Civic classes teach students how to become model citizens who spend time helping others and not just focusing on themselves. Elementary curriculum should
