Policy and Politics

I just finished reading the chapter on “Curriculum Policy and the Politics of What Should be Learned in School.” This chapter gave me more food for thought than I wanted. I guess I was just ignorant to how much politics and policy affects what we teach students. I’m one of those teachers they refer to in the reading that follows the curriculum, but I take the liberty on how much emphasis I place on each part of the curriculum.

A few of the areas really hit home with me. “Education policy is particularly susceptible to this situation (lack of knowledge) as pretty well everyone has some experience of schooling and therefore opinions about how it out to work.” Many people feel they may be experts in education and have varying opinions. Because of our government policies, all school aged students must go to school until a certain age; these students become adults. These adults are the ones who may have strong opinions regardless of educational experiences. These are the parents who may try to influence curriculum on what their child is taught, or how their child may learn best. These now adult students may feel knowledgeable about curriculum and education. However, in reality, they may be as experienced and have the same amount of expertise as I do as a mechanic because I know how to drive. It’s too bad that many people with who “feel strongly about issues about which they know very little” have an influence over curriculum and policies.

Although probably very unpopular with educators, “Educators may believe that education policy should be based on their knowledge and experience. From a political perspective, however, evidence and experience are not enough to drive decisions, and they may be among the less important factors.” It was stated within this chapter basically, that politicians’ jobs when they get elected to office is to find ways to get re-elected. Educators are not the mast population that could help politicians to get elected, the public is. Political actions are driven by beliefs and public support. I wonder if decisions made in the medical field are treated the same way. I think probably not. I’m sure there are politics and policies that affect all areas, but because education may be the field that many people feel experienced in, is it the field that politics and policies affect it the most and do necessarily rely on the true experts.

This reading really had me thinking more than I wanted about how curriculum is affected by politics and policies. It appeared from the point of view of the author, that he had experience with politicians. I don’t necessarily hold that same experience and didn’t realize how much politics effects education and curriculum. Is ignorance bliss? My ignorance with politics and education is narrowing….