But when we look at how most classrooms are managed, few schools actually promote this goal, Beane says. Even when options for sharing responsibility are limited, teachers can find ways to involve students in curriculum decisions. Toni Badone, assistant principal at Cibola High School in Yuma, Ariz., recalls an English class where she faced the curricular requirement of having every student complete a unit on the novel Hiroshima in four weeks. Read the novel silently to yourself. Because the class had to complete 23 pages a day to stay on course, they kept a chart of progress.
Adolescence explores themes in intellectual, physical, and spiritual growth.
Other topics include explorations of government, history, and business. We're uncovering the curriculum. Smith also points out that her students do fine on standardized tests. In Pensacola, Fla., Principal Sandy Ames at Brown Barge Middle School involves the entire student body in curriculum decisions. The streams such as diversity studies, flight, citizenship, bridges, or the environment are based on student surveys and suggestions.