curriculum is a dynamic process and a product of its time. Its content
evolves and changes in response to the historical moment, politics, the
changing knowledge about children and about subject matter. We sometimes
describe the process as an educational pendulum that swings from an
emphasis on the needs and interests of children to a focus on subject
matter to be mastered. Today the pendulum has definitely swung to the
subject matter side of the continuum.
Many early childhood educators are concerned about how we can respond
to the current focus on content and accountability without losing our
historical commitment to child-centered, humanistic practice. I hope that in
this age of accountability we will remember to give curriculum the same
serious thought that we are giving to standards and assessment.