In this episode, Tuthill speaks with the chief executive officer and founder of GreatMinds, an organization focused on developing world class, content-rich curriculum for PK-12 students. A group of education leaders launched GreatMinds in 2007, and now 75% of its employees come from the teacher ranks. GreatMinds curricula aim to inspire joy in both teaching and learning, giving teachers the tools they need to help students achieve success.
Tuthill and Munson discuss how a knowledge-rich curriculum moves away from a rote memorization learning style toward a holistic and comprehensive understanding of English, math and science. One of the original proponents of Common Core standards, Munson recalls decades-long political curriculum battles. Amid the global pandemic, she believes more than ever in the power of knowledge-rich curriculum.
“There’s a shocking amount of change going on … a lot of hope out there. By and large, the momentum of having done things (one) way for so long is our greatest enemy.”
EPISODE DETAILS:
How “drill-and-kill” style textbooks and curriculum can disempower student learning
The politics of Common Core
GreatMinds’ use of technology to follow rather than co-opt instruction
Plans to develop curricula for social studies and history
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