Learn Assessment Week 2 2
Four Curriculum Traditions
Education, like many fields, is riddled with issues that stakeholders have been attempting
to resolve. There are ten major trends/issues that have been identified. They are increasing
diversity, environmental considerations, changes in values and morality, family stress,
technological revolutions, nature of work, equal rights, crime and violence, lack of
purpose/meaning, and global independence. These issues become more apparent in underserved
communities. Schools in these communities are further exacerbated by low academic
achievement. Many believe that it is possible for these communities to overcome these issues
with a quality education. This paper will examine the correlation between lack of
purpose/meaning and how school climate can help to remediate this issue and ultimately improve
student academic achievement.
Purpose and meaning in life have been described as “a fundamental cornerstone of
wellbeing and flourishing” (Steger, O’Donnell, & Morse, 2021). Childhood is the time for people
to dream about their futures, what they want to do when they grow up, and how they want to
live. It is a challenge for some that live in underserved communities to dream of a future that
supersedes what they are accustomed to. Schools may help students flourish and have a positive
impact on the communities. Research shows that having purpose/meaning in life increases
happiness, both mental and physical wellbeing, increase kindness, develop character strengths,
adapt to stress, multiply resilience, charitable deeds, improved social interaction, and increase
life (Steger, O’Donnell, & Morse, 2021). Children that find meaning in their lives maneuver
through the world hopeful that they can make change. Those lack meaning have difficulty
finding emotional and social stability (Steger, O’Donnell, & Morse, 2021). Schools play a
Learn Assessment Week 2 3
tremendous role in the lives of children. By providing a positive school climate, schools can help
students find purpose/meaning.
Too often the responsibility of helping students to find meaning/purpose falls on the
teacher. However, it is a joint responsibility and those that develop the curriculum have a role
too.
References
