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The purpose of school is to provide students with an education and opportunities that promote academic, personal/social and career development. A team of experts should decide what students need to learn and in this team it should include administrators, teachers, and directors of curriculum. It should be a collaborative approach on developing curriculum, with each team member having a voice.

Curriculum is essentially the education that students are required to learn and that could be set in place by the school, the district, and including guidance from the state. Curriculum should be developed with the students' best interest in mind. It should encourage students to be motivated to learn and succeed, while also allowing them to achieve high standards. It should also provide students opportunities to move forward in their academic development.

There should be different curriculum for different students. Having different curriculum for students helps them achieve these high standards set in place by educators and allows them to learn in the way that they can. As a school counselor, I would be a part of creating a safe and successful classroom. I would not have too much input on the academic curriculum for students but the school counselor does look into the emotional and personal/social development of students. This could include mindfulness lessons to help students be ready to learn in the academic setting.

The site where I am doing my practicum has a great mission statement, one that I can agree with as a future school counselor. However, some of the philosophy of curriculum can get lost in the actual application. There is pressure for students when it comes to high stakes testing and so lot of focus is on learning what will be on the standardized tests, which is turn affects the learning process for students.

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To me, the purpose of school is to prepare students to succeed in their first step into the real world. This means academic preparation necessary for post secondary schooling and independent living. Along with academics comes socio-emotional growth, so that graduates become productive members of society able to coincide, collaborate, and contribute. There should be a top-down approach regarding what students should learn, starting with what employers deem their most needed skill sets, trickled down to colleges so they can provide those skills, then down to high schools so they can prepare students to move upward. I see curriculum as framework for what students need to learn and how it should be accomplished. It should be developed by a team of teachers with knowledge of the particular student body, school structure and resources. Notwithstanding IEPs, curriculum should be uniform for students in terms of what they need to learn, but teachers have flexibility to differentiate their teaching to reach varied learning styles. I’ve always had flexibility to adjust methodology, sequence and timelines of my curriculum to meet students’ needs, providing they reach end goals. My school aligns with my educational philosophy to the degree in which they have control. They are, unfortunately, forced to make school wide curriculum decisions to meet current educational initiatives and standardized testing.

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I believe the purpose of school is for our children to become educated and able to participate in a global environment, to actively engage in society, to create an effective work force, to advance creative and critical thinking skills, and finally, to build necessary social skills. The curriculum can be defined as the content that makes up a particular course of study, this content should consist of overarching standards that are broken down into daily to weekly learning targets or objectives. It should be developed through a group of district, state, and federal representatives who have extensively researched the requirements for college and career readiness. Considerations should be given to the anticipated skill level of the students to establish a set of criteria or expectations for assessment. In addition, a group of representatives (teachers in a subject or grade level) should collaborate to establish the pacing of standards and learning targets in a "curriculum map". Teachers should be able to use the curriculum maps as their guide for developing differentiated lesson plans for their specific classroom and student needs.

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If I were to Tweet out my educational vision and philosophy here is what it would be, which reflects my personal beliefs:Individualize, engage, reflect, take risks and grow- the keys to any educational success! Students should construct their own understandings of the world through their school work.As a teacher, I believe the purpose of school is to promote the skills and knowledge to continuously learn, and to become strong citizens in the future. Part of that is because I am a social studies teacher, and even recognizing this I understand that most of my students may not know the exact date or causes of something like the Emancipation Proclamation, but they should understand the context of the Civil War in which brought it about, and they should also have the skills to learn more about this. To encourage this education practice, teachers must individualize education as often as they can, they must make it engaging for students. This would allow for different curriculum for different students when applicable, but to see the ability to blend different styles when similar topics are taught as well. It is clear that if a student is not engaged, deep learning and understanding is not happening. Similarly for teachers, we must reflect on our practices as best we can.We must evaluate and reflect on our lesson plans, our delivery and evaluate whether the students are engaged. This should happen every day, and to me this practice helps us to be the best and strongest educators we can be. Finally I think it is important for teachers and students to take risks. Staying staff isn’t engaging, this world is constantly changing and taking risks helps us to be a part of this rapidly changing world. And along with this process, we must grow. Students must grow and continuously build on their education, and teachers too must grow. We must try new practices, continue our own education and be out of our elements to really see what is going on in the world. If we can incorporate these elements we can be the best teachers, and thus this is the foundation for my educational philosophy. A strong curriculum uses all of these elements, to push students and teachers into new roles and new heights to be successful and active in the educational practice.A strong curriculum incorporates all of these into it. It is fluid and flexible and reflects the needs of the students in that class. Each class is different; each year presents new challenges, struggles and success. A strong curriculum and a strong educator realize this and support this. I have developed various social studies curriculum and courses for my school, and have the great challenge of finding new and interesting ways to keep it engaging, relevant and challenging for all students to grow. But as I do this, I do think of my educational philosophy and how that is helping to drive my curricular decisions as an educator.

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If I were to Tweet out my educational vision and philosophy here is what it would be, which reflects my personal beliefs:Individualize, engage, reflect, take risks and grow- the keys to any educational success! Students should construct their own understandings of the world through their school work.As a teacher, I believe the purpose of school is to promote the skills and knowledge to continuously learn, and to become strong citizens in the future. Part of that is because I am a social studies teacher, and even recognizing this I understand that most of my students may not know the exact date or causes of something like the Emancipation Proclamation, but they should understand the context of the Civil War in which brought it about, and they should also have the skills to learn more about this. To encourage this education practice, teachers must individualize education as often as they can, they must make it engaging for students. This would allow for different curriculum for different students when applicable, but to see the ability to blend different styles when similar topics are taught as well. It is clear that if a student is not engaged, deep learning and understanding is not happening. Similarly for teachers, we must reflect on our practices as best we can.We must evaluate and reflect on our lesson plans, our delivery and evaluate whether the students are engaged. This should happen every day, and to me this practice helps us to be the best and strongest educators we can be. Finally I think it is important for teachers and students to take risks. Staying staff isn’t engaging, this world is constantly changing and taking risks helps us to be a part of this rapidly changing world. And along with this process, we must grow. Students must grow and continuously build on their education, and teachers too must grow. We must try new practices, continue our own education and be out of our elements to really see what is going on in the world. If we can incorporate these elements we can be the best teachers, and thus this is the foundation for my educational philosophy. A strong curriculum uses all of these elements, to push students and teachers into new roles and new heights to be successful and active in the educational practice.A strong curriculum incorporates all of these into it. It is fluid and flexible and reflects the needs of the students in that class. Each class is different; each year presents new challenges, struggles and success. A strong curriculum and a strong educator realize this and support this. I have developed various social studies curriculum and courses for my school, and have the great challenge of finding new and interesting ways to keep it engaging, relevant and challenging for all students to grow. But as I do this, I do think of my educational philosophy and how that is helping to drive my curricular decisions as an educator.

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Curriculum Philosophy-----The purpose of school is to educate young scholars in order to enhance their minds to become our future leaders socially, academically, mentally, and physically. Education officials should decide what students need to learn and how they should learn it. I define curriculum as education guidelines in which student have shown to be receptive to learning. Curriculum should be developed solely on the majority student’s ability to comprehend what is being taught to them. There should be one universal curriculum for all students but modifications should be made for individual students in order for them to excel in their education.  I don’t have a role as of yet at either the local or he district level.  However I am concerned as a parent at the new changes in NY state curriculum which has recently been changed to common core curriculum. It specifies each subject area of each subject and teaches to the test instead of teaching for students to learn and comprehend. My philosophy does not align with this curriculum. I believe in students overall educational development not just teaching to pass and exam.

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Curriculum Philosophy-----The purpose of school is to educate young scholars in order to enhance their minds to become our future leaders socially, academically, mentally, and physically. Education officials should decide what students need to learn and how they should learn it. I define curriculum as education guidelines in which student have shown to be receptive to learning. Curriculum should be developed solely on the majority student’s ability to comprehend what is being taught to them. There should be one universal curriculum for all students but modifications should be made for individual students in order for them to excel in their education.  I don’t have a role as of yet at either the local or he district level.  However I am concerned as a parent at the new changes in NY state curriculum which has recently been changed to common core curriculum. It specifies each subject area of each subject and teaches to the test instead of teaching for students to learn and comprehend. My philosophy does not align with this curriculum. I believe in students overall educational development not just teaching to pass and exam.

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Curriculum Philosophy  ---Stacey Norfolk 

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Curriculum Philosophy  ---Stacey Norfolk 

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The purpose of school is to prepare our children for the demands of the world today by teaching them to make educated choices, providing them the knowledge of the world today, and helping them determine their place in the world. What students learn should be determined by the community in which they learn and based on their needs.  Curriculum is the “what” that will be taught within the school district.  It should be developed by various members at various levels of the district and should include input from the community and/or parents.  In an ideal world, curriculum would be based off the student’s needs, but given the feasibility this may not be possible.  Instead, curriculum could offer different tracks or paths in which students can choose.  As a future guidance counselor, my role will be to provide input into the different trends in society and how the curriculum must address the future needs of the students.

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The purpose of school is to prepare student socially/emotionally, academically, and future career development.  Educating children on these vital skills will assist with social and moral responsibility.  I believe that it should be up to the school to decide on what curriculum students need to learn by choosing what state standards best align to their school district.  To define curriculum, I believe it is the foundation of education that directly affects students.  To keep the curriculum up to date, it needs to be updated and changed to ensure all students are being reached.  Teachers should also adapt these standards and be able to receive data or feedback from students to see that the curriculum is a success.  When developing curriculum, it needs to take into consideration the various levels of development of a student and realize not all students learn the same.  It is vital that the school district collaborates together when developing or improving a curriculum and always keeps in mind the needs of the students.

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I believe that the purpose of school is to equip the student with the knowledge and skills to be productive and successful in the next phase of their life.  While I do believe that the state should have some input on the overall standards that need to be met to keep schools on the right path, each district must be able to adapt what specifically is being taught to the students and in what manner.  I would define curriculum as the learning objectives that students are expected to meet and the means in which they arrive at these.  As mentioned before, the state can develop the standards or objectives, but the means by which a student meets these should be left to the individual district.  The curriculum can be changed for students based on the program they're enrolled, learning ability, and interests; however, the same standards and learning objectives can be met.

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The purpose of school is to encourage and help the growth of a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. I believe that the things that students need to learn should be dictated both through state standards, as well as the personal interests that the students express to their teacher. Teachers should be able to adapt the curriculum that is required by the state to meet the needs and interests of their class. To me, curriculum is defined as the knowledge that students learn throughout their schooling, and I believe it should be developed by the state. This will help if students need to move throughout their time in school can stay on track. However, I feel that each teacher needs to meet their individual classroom and individual student needs, and may further develop the curriculum. I do believe that curriculum should change for each individual student based on what will best help them learn. Curriculum is one of the most important aspects of the school day, and is essential in order to make the students find success each and every day.
-Rachel Nichols

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School should be aimed towards developing the interests and strengths of students upon which they may make critical connections as to the intersection of both. Furthermore, developing life skills so that each child may be able to lead a healthy lifestyle should also be considered essential to education. In reality, I do not believe that there is one right answer to educating every single student. Therefore, the current level and the aspired level of each student should be the determinants in deciding what a student needs to learn. I would define curriculum as the water by which the fish swims. We may change the temperature of the water and the minerals in which it contains but the health of the fish is of utmost importance. In this regard, I think that the water should be constantly changing based on empirical findings and common sense so that the most students possible may thrive. With an aim of continual improvement, individuals at the local and district levels should meet to consider these aspects, aligning the curriculum to promote the changes in our society. 

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School should be aimed towards developing the interests and strengths of students upon which they may make critical connections as to the intersection of both. Furthermore, developing life skills so that each child may be able to lead a healthy lifestyle should also be considered essential to education. In reality, I do not believe that there is one right answer to educating every single student. Therefore, the current level and the aspired level of each student should be the determinants in deciding what a student needs to learn. I would define curriculum as the water by which the fish swims. We may change the temperature of the water and the minerals in which it contains but the health of the fish is of utmost importance. In this regard, I think that the water should be constantly changing based on empirical findings and common sense so that the most students possible may thrive. With an aim of continual improvement, individuals at the local and district levels should meet to consider these aspects, aligning the curriculum to promote the changes in our society. 

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- Nick DiMuzio

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Educational curriculum should be created through research based best practices in order to have student success. The curriculum needs to be able to meet the unique needs for all the students in the district. The curriculum should be created and researched with the faculty members of the school, since they are the ones to implement the curriculum. The district should value their employees opinions. The curriculum team should meet monthly to promote certain program and explain their research behind the program. As a team they should discuss the curriculum at a local level, them promote it to the district level. Data should also be collected to prove in the program is effective or not. Students needs should be met to make them become a well rounded individual and set them up for success for life. Curriculum should be adapted and changed frequently in order to meet the changes in society to meet the needs for our student population.

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Educational curriculum should be created through research based best practices in order to have student success. The curriculum needs to be able to meet the unique needs for all the students in the district. The curriculum should be created and researched with the faculty members of the school, since they are the ones to implement the curriculum. The district should value their employees opinions. The curriculum team should meet monthly to promote certain program and explain their research behind the program. As a team they should discuss the curriculum at a local level, them promote it to the district level. Data should also be collected to prove in the program is effective or not. Students needs should be met to make them become a well rounded individual and set them up for success for life. Curriculum should be adapted and changed frequently in order to meet the changes in society to meet the needs for our student population.

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-Brittany Dellaquila

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The purpose of school is to teach students a variety of skills to grow and become successful future leaders in society. Curriculum is a school’s educational plan that all student learners experience under the direction of a school and school personnel. The curriculum should be developed by specialists through research based practices, but should include input from other educational stakeholders to best meet students’ needs. Teachers, educators, curriculum specialists, and school counselors must collaborate and work together to determine what students need to learn to best support their needs. I believe that there should be different curriculums established since students are unique. We need to consider students’ perspectives and revise curriculums accordingly since students come from diverse backgrounds and learn differently. Furthermore, curriculums need to be adapted and modified often to keep up with societal changes that occur over time.

-Jessica Thoms

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Well written and executed curriculum is essential to good education.  Please share your thoughts here.

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Well written and executed curriculum is essential to good education.  Please share your thoughts here.