The government started the No Child Left Behind initiative mainly to increase academic accomplishment among the countrys underprivileged students, and to assist middle to upper class students perform better than they have in recent years.
What many people dont understand is that to adhere to the No Child Left Behind requirements, 71% of the school districts are restructuring the elementary school curriculums to focus more on those subjects that are tested by the states, such as writing, reading, and math. The result is that much less time is spent in areas such as Science or Social Studies as those subjects are not as heavily tested.
While the No Child Left Behind Goals are admirable, I have some concerns over what the lack of focus on these subjects will have on our country as students they grow up and become contributing adults.
Social Studies, which is intended to teach children about history, geography, civics and economics is one excellent example. Understanding these areas of study allows us to understand the meanings and consequences of the political decisions and moral issues that surround us. While History may appear to be a subject about the past, if a teacher is able to connect history to the present students will better understand the world around them and how they can have an impact, which will ultimately result in future responsible, active citizens of our country, cities and communities.
Think for a moment what it would be like if tomorrows citizens had no knowledge or gratitude for the struggles of our founding fathers. Would they appreciate the country we live in? Would they understand the freedom we enjoy as a democratic nation? Would they even exercise their rights to that freedom by voting on Election Day or being active in their community? I am very concerned that an elementary school curriculum without Social Studies will result in future adults with no comprehension of what is necessary to effect a thriving, successful community.
What impact will reducing Science training have? Think for a moment what it would be like to grow up without understanding how science and nature interrelate. Lacking this, most people will never experience the admiration and reference for nature. What impact will this have on how they live their lives if they dont see the consequences of their actions on the natural world? What we do and how we live matters!
An admiration and appreciation of Science will result in a greater respect for nature, diversity, and the miracle of life. It would be a real shame if our students didnt learn about the marvels of science when they are young and open to suggestions! True, middle school and high school students receive a fairly well rounded Science curriculum, but much of the deep appreciation for the natural world is better planted at a significantly younger age.
In elementary school, science can be taught hands on through stories, imaginative play, and descriptive demonstrations that instill an early admiration for nature, unlike the more theoretical approaches covered in Middle and High School curriculums. It would be a great disappointment if our elementary school children miss this all important opportunity solely in order to focus on reading, writing and math.
However, the goals of the No Child Left Behind idea are admirable. My suggestion is that the elementary schools integrate reading, writing and math into a whole curriculum. In this way, in addition to teaching the fundamentals of reading and writing and math, a teacher can reinforce the highly tested skills into lessons in Social Studies and Science that will result in real-life applications of these fundamental skills.
This all inclusive approach accomplishes two goals: first to ensure that children get a solid education in reading, writing and math, and second provides varied and fascinating avenues to practice those skills in more conceptual subjects such as Social Studies and Science.
The bottom line is it takes the commitment of dedicated teachers to make this approach a reality. But the payoff is worth it. Through subject integration, we can teach our students to think more globally than linear, to understand the empathize with the needs of other people and to contribute to making our world a better place to live. What better gift to give to the adults of tomorrow!
Donna Newberg-Long, aka Principal Donna has been an educator, principal, and administrator for 25 years, in private, charter and public schools. She has a passion for the arts and motivating every child to be their best. Visit her web site, www.AskPrincipalDonna.com, which provides information, discussion and advice on topics of timely concern in education for parents and educators.
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