Wow. This reminds me about something I read somewhere regarding at-grade proficiency, etc. that was questioning how it is we determine what should be learned at each grade. How do we know what grade-level proficiency looks like, anyway? Because content experts decided so. But what is their criteria? Some of it makes sense, some if it is somewhat (or completely) arbitrary. Some of it make ssense in a cummulative way, but not necessarily regarding order. Take many of the well-regarded homeschooling math products, for instance: they often teach completely different things at the same level, though eventually they all end up in or about the same place.
It makes me wonder what our kids are really supposed to learn, why, and when. For instance, here's one thing that seems bizarre to me -- though I'm sure many parents disagree. Social studies in the early grades seems to be in large part indoctrination on patriotism. I'm more of a "Love America (or whatever country you may be from). But love her wisely. Work hard to cure the faults under which she labors..." than a "Love America - period" type person. I want my kid to learn the skills to be discerning FIRST and then learn about the people/events.
Very good question and something I've been pondering about a lot lately. Especially after reading this blog:
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn (especially the blogs about math and reading). It really makes you wonder if setting strict age criteria for learning certain materials does more harm than good (and probably many on this board have kids that just flat out don't learn things according to a set age criteria).
Oh, and social studies scares me... I remember how "fluffy" everything I learned was. Thank God I had a good AP History teacher in HS that introduced me to The People's History of the United States! This is definitely going to be on my daughter's reading list as soon as she's able to understand it.
Also, it's funny because DH is not American so it's always interesting to hear how he learned history growing up. It really makes you question what you "know".
If anybody finds any articles about why kids learn the material and certain ages in school I'd LOVE to read them, so please post them!!!!!!!!!
