Hey...Teacher...leave those projects at school!!!

[Aliceacc]

For what it's worth, this was the whole idea behind Common Core...to identify a common core syllabus that all kids across the country would learn. So a second grader in Idaho could move to Vermont and know the same material as his mew classmates.

A great idea in theory, but it raised some problems in identifying exactly what that core curriculum should be.

Then, of course,politicians got a hold of it, tied it into high stakes testing and teacher evaluations, and the baby got thrown out with the bath water.

 

[roseaster]

Personally, I am all for a well rounded education and I think that offers some of everything. Sciences, arts, humanities, vocational, physical.

I am happy with my children's curriculum. All of this is mandatory in K-8. In elementary they have PE twice a week, but have recess on the other days. I don't think kids really get much exercise in PE/recess, but I think for younger kids it is an important break in their day. They have art 1 day a week and music 1 day a week. Again, it may not be much more than 30 minutes of working on a little project or singing a song, or playing a recorder, but it gives them a little look into it.

In Jr. high they have PE 3 days a week and the other 2 days they rotate through art/music and "family and consumer sciences" (home ec) and industrial arts.

In high school PE is 5 days a week for 3 quarters and 1 quarter is health class. The rest are electives.

Not in my kids' school, but in some schools if you are involved in a sport or dance so many days a week you can opt out of PE that semester.

 

[RobDoc]

Sorry the earlier warning failed.

Thanks for playing.