2 of 5

Write now Article Tools

California Education Code (60210) states that "the school board shall adopt basic instructional material.." and that the material adopted is "factually correct and incorporate principles of instruction reflective of current and confirmed research."

Board selection, albeit through teacher input, allows a detailed analysis of the curriculum and also adds a dimension of legitimacy. However, curriculum is routinely selected by individual schools and even teachers. This is more alarming in light of the fact that many of the schools in California are staffed by teachers whose credential is in areas other than their primary subject of instruction.

Recently, I came across a math curriculum peddled by some teachers turned curriculum business men. This math curriculum was created by teachers who primary teaching subject area was language arts. Some of the material was defective. They cited some questionable data to prove the worth of their product. The school administrator used some special funding to buy it without any board approval. The funds came through a grant and thus they were able to sidestep the actual approval process.

Such happenings are not uncommon. Non profits as well as corporate donors pump large sums of money into the hands of administrators of under performing schools and districts. This is on top of special federal and state grants made to such schools. Under performing schools get more money per student, contrary to popular belief, than performing schools and districts. The problem lies with undisciplined administrative and executive policies and lack of proper accountability.

Learn more about this author, Matthew Jacob.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Academic freedom and teacher choice in curriculums?
We want to hear your view. Write now!