More on narrowing curriculum

In this report released yesterday, the Center on Education Policy offers a more detailed look at how much curriculum has narrowed because of No Child Left Behind. And if you think kids should be learning science and social studies as much as math and language arts, you’re not going to like the results.

The findings are based on a deeper look at data the center gathered from a national survey of school districts in 2006-07. Districts that reported increases in instructional time averaged 47 percent more time on English/language arts and 37 percent more time on math (the two subjects No Child has pushed to the forefront). Meanwhile, districts that also reported decreases in instruction time averaged 32 percent less time on social studies, 33 percent less time on science and 35 percent less time on art, music and PE.

Unfortunately, there is no state-by-state breakdown, so the state of things in Florida remains unclear. For an informed take on all this, check out the Eduwonk blog here.

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

Comments

[Concerned]

Well-rounded educated students? Let's not even talk about the arts...humanities...what ever happened to balance in education?

[Jason]

The politicians don't want well-rounded educated students. Arts? Humanities? These are people who think outside the box and don't take well to following orders. The Education Cartels (i.e. The College Board, etc) can't make money if people don't get in line!

[freely]

No wonder we score at the LOWEST point compared with other countries around the globe.
Keep up the good work of taking away Global Awareness and making our students less likely to compete in the 21st century workforce!
Check this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx4pN-aiofw