Hidden Curriculum

Discuss the relationship between the meaning of hidden curriculum and the role of schools in cultural hegemony.  How does cultural hegemony affect what happens in public school classrooms?  How can understanding the concepts of cultural pluralism and assimilation impact how we think about education and marginalized groups within it in contemporary society?  The debate about education for its own sake versus education for a particular role in society continues today.  What are some of the ways you see this disagreement being played out in today’s educational environment? 

       Many aspects of today's schools relate directly to the way we as educators wish students to be once they assimilate into society.  The idea of hidden curriculum in schools is not a new one, but rather an interesting talking point that establishes some of these cultural norms.  Every school has standards and curriculum that must be taught to students.  As educators we strive daily to instruct students to master these standards and conform to a higher level of thinking.  Underlying these standards is the hidden curriculum.  As an example, we expect students to learn about being punctual and giving their best efforts.  These are re-enforced through turning in assignments on time, or doing extra credit.  Utilizing this hidden agenda has profound effects on students and carries over into every aspect of their lives.  This can be a true service that the school plays in shaping many different cultural norms in everyday society.

      The opposite could be said concerning these effects on society.  Is it really the place of the school to create and build on these social norms?  No matter what people expect in the real world, students attitudes and beliefs are shaped by the school systems they attend daily.  This is a powerful sentiment, and one in which educators should not take likely.  Especially younger students listen and take what their adult teachers say to heart.  We have a responsibility to teach this hidden curriculum that truly does shape America's youth.

      Understanding cultural pluralism and marginalized groups within contemporary society can help shape these hidden agendas we teach children today.  It has been stated by myself that it is the responsibility of teachers to let students know that everyone is equal and all should be respected.  Gender, race, and economic status should have nothing to do with how someone is treated or revered.  Cultural norms, as stated earlier, are shaped in the school house.  If it is made clear to students that equal means equal (even if it is an underlying message), then they will carry that message with them for the rest of their lives.

      Education for the sake of education is a laughable misconception that teachers and administrators would totally disagree with.  The future of our county is in the hands of the youth of today.  It is an undeniable fact that the more education someone has, the more successful they become.  The same can be said for a country.  The more educated Americans become, the more successful they become.  Society norms expect us to educate children.  This point is undisputed, but the real focus should be on what and how we teach children, not what we teach them.

      Many things taught in the classroom today have underlying effects on students.  Hidden messages are powerful ways in which educators can help shape the society of the future.  We have a responsibility to adhere to the highest and strictest standards of cultural norms.  What may be right for some, may no be right for all.