Inject critical thinking into state standards to think outside the bubble

03-22-2011

Opinion by Michael Matsuda/Thoughts on Public Education

Michael Matsuda is coordinator for Quality Teacher Programs with the Anaheim Union High School District, and president of the North Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees.

For nearly a decade, California K-12 schools have been scrutinized based on multiple choice tests primarily covering two subjects: Reading (Language Arts) and Math. That may explain why many schools, especially “lower performing” ones, have narrowed the curriculum to what’s tested. In many instances, subjects like history, science, world languages, the arts and career technical education courses have been pared down, and in some cases eliminated to make room for test-taking and study skills classes. Although some school and district leaders have attempted to maintain a broad curriculum, most have capitulated to the need to save their own hides and raise test scores. All K-12 students need a breadth of knowledge as well as an understanding of how that content (and the world around them) is interconnected. Parents and community members need to stand up for supporting a full offering of courses for their children. (more...)

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Inject critical thinking into state standards to think outside the bubble

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