4+Curricula+Areas

**Four Curricula Areas**
In my opinion, the Pleasant Ridge Elementary curriculum is predominately from the curriculum as product theory but also contains pieces of the process theory. The product theory implies that objectives are set, plans are made, and implemented, and then products are measured. Another piece of this theory states that it should focus on what people needed to know in order to work and function in their society.

One significant difference between our curriculum and the product theory is where it is derived from. Our curriculum is solely based upon the Kansas State Standards and more specifically the tested indicators for reading and math. If this curriculum was to focus on what the students needed for surviving in our community, then it would have to be geared towards agriculture. Instead a group of people, from the state, have decided what our students should know.

Following the product theory, we start with the specific objective, or state standards. From this a curriculum map was created outlining the order in which they were to be taught. Along with this, materials and specific lessons were produced to teach that objective. These are then implemented and at the end of the unit, the students are tested. This test determines whether or not the students have mastered the particular objective. This whole process is repeated for each objective.

The curriculum is slowly moving towards the process theory where the focus is more on the interaction between students, teachers and the knowledge. Through the premise of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, we are shifting to the diagnosis of strengths and weaknesses based on specific objectives. Instruction is then designed and implemented to target these needs. At this point, more focus is on how to support weaknesses. Thus, by changing or altering what is taught is a process.

My view
My personal view of how curriculum should be approached is a mixture of the process and product theory. I really like the organization of the product theory and how it starts with an idea or objective then moves on to planning, implementation and finally assessment. However, I feel that this should be a flexible fluid document or process where it can be changed as needed.

We need to be able to diagnose strengths and weaknesses and use this information to alter the planned curriculum. Throughout all this, I believe that constant reflection is necessary. We need to be able to look at what is taught, how it is taught, how the students react to it, and what information the students gain. From these insights, we keep doing what we were doing or make changes.

A part of the process theory that I truly believe is important is giving the students choice in their learning. I think the teacher can still determine what needs to be taught, but I feel that the students should have some say in how it is taught and how they show mastery. For example, I want to teach them story sequencing. They can show this to me in several ways; a written story, a comic strip, music, a diorama, or act it out. It gives them a choice.

The one area that I would like to see more of is a focus on preparing for real life especially for students with special needs. I feel that with AYP and the focus on testing, we lose track of what they need; real-life skills to help them become more independent. Also students need more skills in cooperative work and problem solving.

To the contrary, I feel that at the elementary level, students should be exposed to a wide range of knowledge through cooperative learning. Then towards high school, education should become more focused on preparing for life and paths they are going to take.

Overall, I feel that the curriculum at Pleasant Ridge is ever changing. It has evolved since I started here in August, and is becoming closer to what I believe curriculum should be.