The purpose of this site is to familiarize the reader with the
teaching and learning process called curriculum integration. Much
of what we have put on the site comes from the work of Dr. James
Beane. He has devoted much of his professional life to the study
of early adolescents, focusing on how their needs can best be
met in the classroom. His recent book, Curriculum Integration - designing the core of democratic education, is a comprehensive "how-to" for any teacher or administrator
who wishes to use curriculum integration in the classroom.
We have added a segment on adolescent development to underscore
the behavioral characteristics that make a compelling argument
for the use of the curriculum integration approach in middle school.
You will also find a story about a young teacher and her team
and the curriculum integration project their team implemented.
There is a link in that component that will take you to a site
that describes the actual project that was implemented. We felt
that it was important to provide practice for the theory.
Finally, we address the question of assessment and evaluation.
It is not enough for students to feel excited and empowered by
the learning process, they still must answer to the end of grade
or other high stakes tests. We answer the most oftenasked questions
about using curriculum integration in light of the "rush to judgement"
climate we live in today. |
