Curriculum and Assessment to Improve Teaching and Learning

Abstract: Focusing the curriculum and the focus of the school on teaching and learning seems so obvious, but the chapter points out that this essential can sometimes be lost in places. Setting up standards for teachers, like our MLRs, to help aid teachers on the right course and taking a load off their back. The teachers will be able to follow these standards, but at the same time have the freedom of how they want to teach and assess them. The chapter also discusses some focuses that the standards should take on and gives advice like how "it is initially easier to change behavior than to change attitudes" (TP2000 page 34). It takes us through concepts ad generalizations that are relevant to a Middle School classroom or student.

Reflection: This is a perfect chapter for right before starting our units. The examples were very helpful. It shows way to be able to use the MLRs and has more great ideas for standard that could be for the school to have. I liked that it mentioned on page 37 that you should do "place-based" curriculum that relates to local stuff. I think this makes the curriculum more relevant and interesting for students.