Challenged
It makes sense that for students to learn at high levels, they must have access to a 21st-century curriculum that both challenges and inspires them. Students who spend most of their day being lectured and drilled in reading and math only, and who don't have access to courses in the arts, music, social studies, civics, and other broadening courses, are more likely to tune out and less likely to do well in school.
Too many children don't have access to a 21st-century series of courses. For example, only one-third of U.S. middle and high school students and 5 percent of elementary students study a foreign language (Committee for Economic Development). The Partnership for 21st-Century Skills (Business and Education Leaders) says schools are falling short in teaching such "emerging essential content" as global awareness; financial, economic and entrepreneurial literacy; civic literacy; health and wellness; and life skills. The public understands the importance of a well-balanced curriculum. Six in 10 members of the public want students to take a "wide variety of courses" beyond "the basics" (2006 Phi Delta Kappan-Gallup Poll) and 89 percent believe that arts should be taught in the public schools (Americans for the Arts).
To ensure that all students are academically challenged with a well-balanced curriculum, ASCD recommends, at a minimum:
- Schools provide a well-rounded curriculum for all students
- Students have access to rigorous programs in arts, foreign languages, and social studies
- Schools maintain flexible graduation requirements