Appreciation, Criticism, and Regret: Early Childhood Teachers' Perceptions of Scripted and Mandated English Language Arts Curricula

• In Event: Perceptions of Curriculum in the Lives of Teachers

Abstract

In order to meet the new Common Core State Standards, many schools have adopted mandated curricula in order to standardize what is being taught. An unfortunate result of these mandates has been an increase in scripted curricula in English language arts (ELA). In place of creative lessons and culturally relevant activities, scripted and mandated curricula often contain standards-aligned lessons and test-prep units of study. This research examines the perceptions of three early childhood teachers who were mandated to use scripted ELA curricula in order to reveal how educators are negotiating working under mandates, how their teaching is affected by the use of commercial curricular programs, and how they feel their scripted curricula address the needs of their students.

Author

• Susan A. Sturm, SUNY - College at Fredonia