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A Needs Assessment: Reforming the U.S. School Curriculum

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Part of the book series: Explorations of Educational Purpose ((EXEP,volume 13))

Abstract

Abstract As emerging technologies and globalization result in political, social, economic, and cultural changes, the transformation of educational system is urged to meet the challenges. However, how and where should the process of curriculum change start? This study guided by Tyler’s (1949) classic model of curriculum development conducts a needs assessment of American school curriculum change. It surveys participants of American school education, school administrators, teachers, preservice teachers, students, and parents through social networks. Findings validate the need for school curriculum change and provide meaningful insight for the process.

The future of our economy, the strength of our democracy, and even the health of our planet’s ecosystems all depend on our educating future generations in ways that are very different from how the vast majority of us were schooled and how most schools function today

(Academy 21’s Chief Executive Officer, Robert Witt)

What year are you preparing your students for? 1973? 1995? Can you honestly say that your school’s curriculum and the program you use are preparing your students for 2015 or 2020? Are you even preparing them for today?

(Heidi Hayes Jacobs, 2010).

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Correspondence to Guofang Wan .

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© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

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Wan, G. (2011). A Needs Assessment: Reforming the U.S. School Curriculum. In: Wan, G., Gut, D. (eds) Bringing Schools into the 21st Century. Explorations of Educational Purpose, vol 13. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0268-4_5

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