Curriculum Development & Implementation

Part 1/ Who is it that makes and designs the curriculum? When I was reading the first few pages of this reading, the only word that was appearing on the page was POLITICS. I continued to read where I soon learned that “politics is about power” (Levin, pg.8). Politics significantly influences the development of the curriculum because as Levin (2008) states, education policy can be seen as a political decision. “Policies govern just about every aspect of education- what schooling is provided, how, to whom, in what form, by whom, with what resources” (Levin, 2008, p.8)

It is the government that we see as responsible for everything. But it is important to remember that “much of what a government does is shaped by the individuals who happen to occupy critical positions” (Levin, p. 12). There are many others such as teachers, students, parents, community members, textbook companies, etc. that have a say what goes into the formal curriculum. My biggest concern after the reading is the amount of a say that students really have in the making of the curriculum. They are the largest group that is affected by the curriculum and “have no voice in the development of curricula and have the most to lose” (Mike,2020).

Part 2/ After reading pages 1-4 of the Treaty Education document, I am able to realize the importance of Treaty Education in the curriculum. “The Ministry of Education is committed to providing the appropriate supports and programs that reflect and affirm the unique status of First Nations and Métis people” (p.3). This curriculum is developed to “engage learners on a journey of inquiry and discovery” (p.3). Learning about the different goals; treaty relationships, spirit intent of treaties, the historical context of treaties, and Treat promises and provisions acknowledge much importance.

I feel as if tensions will always be a part of curriculum development. People have different views on what should and should not be taught. The curriculum will forever be changing and most likely never satisfy every person, but it is important to cover Treaty Education as all students deserve to know which lands they are on and ways to appreciate it.

Source:

Levin, B. (2008). Curriculum policy and the politics of what should be learned in schools. In F. Connelly, M. He & J. Phillion (Eds.), The SAGE handbook of curriculum and instruction (pp. 7 – 24). Los Angeles, CA: Sage.