Curricular Issues in Schools
Building on the themes discussed in this unit, reflect on the following notion based on your own personal perspective. Draw on your own experience and knowledge to expand upon your thoughts.
Relative to your milieu, recall and identify at least one but no more than three curricular issues. Describe the issue(s) and why it is (they are) of concern. The term milieu comes from the work of Joseph Schwab (1983); the term refers to the social environment where education takes places. Some scholars refer to this as the space and place of learning like the classroom or school itself.
Think about the following as you prepare your post:,
- What is the specific curricular issue(s)?,
- Who does it affect in your milieu? , If it affects more than one person or group please be specific.,
- Identify possible reasons for the issue(s).,
- Upon reflection, recommend ways to solve this (these) issue(s).
Curricular Issues in Schools
1. Curricular Issue: Lack of Culturally Relevant Content
One major curricular issue in my educational milieu is the lack of culturally relevant or inclusive content. In many schools, the curriculum remains heavily Eurocentric, focusing primarily on Western history, literature, and perspectives while overlooking the contributions, experiences, and histories of diverse groups—particularly Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color.
2. Who It Affects
This issue affects a wide range of individuals in the school environment:
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Students of color, who may feel alienated or unseen within the curriculum.
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All students, who miss opportunities to develop critical thinking and empathy through exposure to diverse perspectives.
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Teachers, who may struggle to connect with students due to limited curricular flexibility or lack of resources for inclusive teaching.
3. Reasons for the Issue
Several factors contribute to this problem:
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Standardized curriculum mandates, which often prioritize traditional content over local or diverse narratives.
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Lack of training, where educators may not be equipped with the tools or knowledge to integrate diverse perspectives.
- Historical precedent, where education systems have long centered dominant cultural narratives.
4. Why It’s a Concern
When students don’t see themselves reflected in the curriculum, it can impact their self-esteem, engagement, and academic success. Additionally, a lack of representation contributes to misunderstanding and bias, making the school environment less inclusive and equitable. This undermines the goal of education as a means of developing well-rounded, culturally competent citizens.
5. Recommendations and Solutions
To address this issue, schools can:
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Adopt inclusive curriculum frameworks that reflect the diversity of the student body and the wider world.
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Provide professional development to help teachers understand and implement culturally responsive pedagogy.
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Involve the community, including families and cultural organizations, in curriculum development and decision-making.
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Encourage student voice, allowing learners to contribute their own cultural experiences to the learning process.
By rethinking how and what we teach in relation to the space and community we’re in—our milieu—educators can create a more just and meaningful educational experience for all students.
Curricular Issues in Schools