Resources - Archived Materials

KEY DIRECTIONS IN SECONDARY CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPED FOR THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & TRAINING
BY THE EXPERT PANEL FOR:
SCIENCE
June 1997

This project was supported by the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training. This paper reflects the views of the panel members and not necessarily those of the ministry.
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This document is submitted to the Curriculum, Learning and Training Branch of the Ministry of Education and Training. It reflects the work of the Expert Panel on SCIENCES and contains the panel's recommendations for Key Directions in secondary curriculum development in this specific discipline area.

CONTENTS

Section One: Introduction

1.1 The world of the twenty-first century and science education

Section Two: Recommendations - Program Structure Issues

2.1 Connections to the Comprehensive Results

2.2 Core of knowledge/skills/attitudes in science that all secondary school graduates should acquire (related to Comprehensive Results)

2.3 Continuity-links with elementary programs, post secondary programs, the workplace

2.4 Connections across discipline areas

Section Three: Recommendations - New Curriculum Directions

3.1 General strengths of the current curriculum

3.2 General weaknesses of the current curriculum

3.3 How can we provide a broad range of students with excellent programs that are not linked to post secondary destinations?

3.4 How can we provide excellent programs for students who are not planning post secondary studies immediately following secondary school?

3.5 What will be required to provide excellent programs for college-bound students?

3.6 How can we achieve current OAC standards by Grade 12 for university-bound students?

3.7 What subjects/courses should be included within the science guidelines?

3.8 How should student achievement be assessed and evaluated?

3.9 How should curriculum encourage links to career/employment, personal development, citizenship?

3.10 Curriculum/curriculum models from current Ontario guidelines and/or other jurisdictions that may be considered for adaptation

Section Four: Recommendations - Program Delivery Issues

4.1 Provisions for meeting the needs of all students in science education

4.2 The role of the teacher: teaching approaches and methods

4.3 Health and safety needs in science education

4.4 Learning environment models

4.5 The role of technology and other resources

4.6 Partnerships: parents, post secondary institutions, business, industry, community