Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Curriculum Philosophy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee warns against curriculum that 'tells students what to think'; emphasizes teaching critical thinking
Summary
A committee member raised concerns that some curriculum materials 'inform a child what they "should" think' rather than teaching how to think; members discussed presenting opposing positions to develop critical thinking skills.
A key point at the May 15 meeting centered on the purpose of curriculum. "The opening concern for discussion was the habit of curriculum developers to create curriculum which informs a child what they 'should' think rather than how to think for themselves," a committee member said during discussion of the G6–12 materials.
Committee members noted that students at these grade levels often bring beliefs shaped by family instruction, and they discussed approaches that present opposing positions so students practice evaluating competing arguments. No formal policy change was adopted; the exchange remained part of the committee's review and guidance.
