Blog #3- Levin Article & Treaty Education Document
According to the Levin article, how are school curricula developed and implemented? What new information/perspectives does this reading provide about the development and implementation of the school curriculum?
The school curriculum is developed and implemented by many factors; the government, politics, universities, and experts such as textbook writers. although the development of the curriculum is affected by these many factors and takes many years to make, edit, and approve, the government has the hand over all of the information being taught in schools.
Is there anything that surprises you or maybe that concerns you?
As we know, the government is influenced incredibly by who is in charge due to the latest election. This can drastically change viewpoints on outcomes, indicators, values, and missions within the curriculum. based on political interpretation that standpoint on important topics could lead to them not being taught in schools. this includes Indigenous Education.
After reading pages 1-4 of the Treaty Education document, what connections can you make between the article and the implementation of Treaty Education in Saskatchewan? What tensions might you imagine were part of the development of the Treaty Education curriculum?
Although the Treaty Education document was well thought out and intentionally developed I feel it is fighting for its place next to Levin’s article. I believe both parts are necessary for well-rounded exposure in education and should be equally important. The thought that Indigenous education is placed somewhat on the back burner and in many cases teachers are choosing to either teach it or not teach it which to me, is troublesome. I can see how it can be difficult to determine the exact placement of Treaty education to best suit the curriculum and we begin to see it implemented wherever possible however, there should be more of a guideline to best provide Treaty education to youth in the classroom. Tensions would arise in historical debates based on politics as well as the inevitable and frequent debates based on any changes to the curriculum. Overall, by reading this document I can see the progress that has happened but I can also see the next steps that absolutely need to be taken and made consistent throughout all schools.
Hi Ashley! I totally agree with the thought that Indigenous Education potentially being neglected in the curriculum is scary. I often wonder about the progressions in society and the new rise in Truth and reconciliation if the possibility of Treaty Education being omitted is lower. The Treaty Education I also believe should have more structure and be less lenient about when and if it is taught. Maybe, more structure and allowing students to have a better understanding of the area will also allow it to hold a stronger place in the education system for when they hold the power of what curriculum is in their futures.