How the Education System Became What It Is

This chapter describes the historical tension between consistency and standardization in the education system are and how and why districts have increasingly embraced standardization, in particular curricular standardization, as a way to improve student outcomes. The purpose of this chapter is to argue that curricular standardization has not worked, is in fact a morally and ethically bankrupt approach, and is one of the most impactful driving causes of eroding morale among teachers and students. This chapter helps readers understand how the current system came to be the way it is today, why and how their feelings of frustration are valid and legitimate, and suggests that resistance to curricular standardization is a viable and necessary option for teachers moving forward.