Teaching for the whole child v. "teaching to the test".

By Ken Jensen

If we stop teaching art and music, what are kids going to read and write about? -Richard Dreyfus, "Mr. Holland's Opus"

As Richard Dreyfus stated in the film "Mr. Holland's Opus", if we stop teaching art and music in schools, what are kids going to read and write about? I want to broaden the curriculum to include more science, fine arts and technology that will also strengthen core reading and math skills. I am particularly excited about implementing ideas in the district such as International Baccalaureate programs, a Science, Technology, Math and Engineering Magnet ["STEM"], dual language and other ideas to broaden opportunities for our children.

The goal is education that is relevant to the rapidly changing twenty-first century. As our world has changed, so must our education. Children must be prepared in technology, language and cultural awareness to succeed in our interdependent world.

I have experience in this district to address this issue. I have served on the district magnet committee and the learning environment task force. On both of these committees, I listened to teachers and parents, participated in a parent survey to hear what parents want in education. I am ready to lead on expanding our curriculum.