Developing Curriculum and Society

Society has always had an effect on educational curriculum from the 1890's when academic scientism was a major influence, to technological constructionism in 1990's in which the economy was booming and the internet with computers were a rising trend. It seems through the years that educational policy has changed steadily reflecting society. I believe today the major societal force that influences school curricula is foreign relations and policy. Current events happening is now other countries public knowledge, any person can "Google" statistics about countries. This free flow of knowledge and facts has allowed society to see that the United States is falling behind in education. There are videos being uploaded to YouTube everyday that show why the US is falling behind in educating it's youth. The current policies of No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top,  demonstrate how the US is trying to get ahead of other countries with education.

Major societal forces through the ages has defined curriculum and presented new theoretical approaches as a result. As society has evolved, technology has evolved, and the world has evolved so curriculum has progressed to reflect the society. Leaders through the times have taken what they thought was important for youth to know to be successful in their society and issued policies that have influenced curriculum development. I see the societal forces as guides for curriculum to help prepare students for the future based on trends happening during the current time period. For example, to be successful in today's workplace you have to be a 21st century learner which means work collaborative, be a critical thinker, communicate ideas effectively, and be creative. 20 years from now these skills may be obsolete and education will change to help students at that time be ready for the workplace.

I think a school leader can be proactive in the advent of these types of influences by saying current on emerging educational research and trends. A school leader should be a life long learner which means taking courses, reading research, and reading articles that discuss emerging trends in society and education. If a school leader is able to have an idea of what is up and coming, then they will be able to mold curriculum to these new trends.