Experimental Curriculum and Community Involvement...New Information
An open letter to the Portage School Board from Melanie Kurdys
| From: Melanie Kurdys |
| To: Mr. Tom Eddy, Dr. Kevin Hollenbeck, Mrs. Shirley Johnson, Mrs. Linda Lueth, Mr. Allan Reiff, Mr. Jerry Whitaker, Mrs. Ann Woolley |
| Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2003 3:03 PM |
| Subject: Experimental Curriculum and Community Involvement...New Information |
Material from the National Science Foundation was used as a primary source for the development of the new science curriculum. Here are two quotes from the NSB report "Preparing Our Children: Math and Science Education in the National Interest" (NSB 99-31) which you might like to consider:
"To be systemic, 15,000 school districts should not engage in curriculum-based experiments and repeat all-too-familiar mistakes. They should reap the benefit of what other districts have tried."
"The NSB urges (a) broad adoption of the principal of citizen review; (b) active participation on citizen advisory boards by educators and practicing mathematicians and scientists, as well as parents and employers from knowledge-based industries and (c) use public forums to foster dialogue..."
Clearly, they do not endorse developing an experimental approach to teaching science and they do endorse significant community involvement. Many of the parents who have contacted you are scientists themselves. You have a ready, willing and able resource to assist in the development of an "A" school science education. Please consider strategies for embracing this opportunity to resolve the outstanding science curriculum issues.
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