Null Curriculum: What Are Schools Really NOT Teaching?

The null curriculum, as conceptualized by Eisner, represents a critical, often unspoken dimension of education. This absence, influenced by factors like standardized testing, shapes what knowledge students are never exposed to. Considering the influence of entities like the National Education Association (NEA), what schools implicitly choose to omit from their curricula can significantly impact student development. Analysis of the Common Core standards, for example, reveals areas where topics, skills or even entire subject areas, are effectively relegated to the null curriculum.

Understanding the Null Curriculum: Unveiling the Gaps in Education

The "null curriculum" represents a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of education. It encompasses the subjects, topics, and perspectives deliberately or unintentionally not taught in schools. Examining what’s absent from the curriculum can reveal powerful insights into the values, biases, and priorities that shape educational systems.

Defining the Null Curriculum

The null curriculum isn’t merely about what isn’t taught due to lack of resources or time. It’s about active, often subconscious, decisions regarding what is deemed unworthy, unimportant, or even dangerous to include in the formal learning experience.

Implicit Messaging

The exclusion of certain topics inherently sends a message: they are less valuable, less relevant, or less appropriate. This implicit messaging can profoundly affect students’ understanding of the world and their place in it.

Factors Contributing to the Null Curriculum

Several factors contribute to the formation and perpetuation of the null curriculum:

• Societal Values and Biases: Dominant cultural norms, values, and biases often dictate what is considered "essential" knowledge. Topics challenging these norms may be excluded.

• Political Considerations: Curriculum decisions are often influenced by political agendas and pressure groups. Content that contradicts prevailing ideologies may be omitted.

• Standardized Testing: The emphasis on standardized testing can lead to a narrowing of the curriculum, focusing primarily on tested subjects at the expense of others.

• Teacher Training and Expertise: Teachers may lack the training or comfort level to teach certain topics, leading to their exclusion.

• Textbook Content: Textbooks, which are often vetted and approved by boards, may deliberately exclude sensitive or controversial subjects.

Examples of Content Typically Found in the Null Curriculum

The specific content of the null curriculum varies depending on the school, district, and country. However, some common themes emerge:

1. Critical Race Theory and Systemic Inequality: In many schools, in-depth discussions of racism as a systemic issue are often avoided, or greatly simplified.

2. Indigenous History and Perspectives: The contributions, experiences, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples are frequently marginalized or omitted from history and social studies curricula.

3. Financial Literacy: Practical skills related to personal finance, such as budgeting, investing, and debt management, are often lacking.

4. Mental Health Education: While awareness is increasing, comprehensive mental health education, including coping mechanisms and resources, remains limited.

5. Media Literacy: The ability to critically evaluate information sources and understand the biases present in media is often underdeveloped.

6. Local History and Community Issues: The unique history and current challenges facing the local community are often overlooked in favor of broader, more generalized topics.

Implications of the Null Curriculum

The null curriculum has significant implications for students and society:

• Limited Perspectives: Students may develop a narrow and incomplete understanding of the world, lacking exposure to diverse viewpoints and perspectives.

• Reinforcement of Inequalities: The omission of certain topics can reinforce existing social inequalities by failing to address issues of power, privilege, and oppression.

• Lack of Critical Thinking Skills: A curriculum that avoids controversial or challenging topics can hinder the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Reduced Civic Engagement: Students may be less likely to engage in informed civic participation if they lack a comprehensive understanding of social and political issues.

Analyzing the Null Curriculum in Practice

A systematic approach to analyzing the null curriculum involves:

Aspect of Curriculum	Questions to Consider
Subject Areas	Which subjects are absent or minimized? Why?
Topics within Subjects	Which specific topics are excluded? What are the potential reasons for this?
Perspectives	Whose voices are missing? Which perspectives are marginalized or ignored?
Skills	What essential life skills are not being taught?

So, that’s a peek behind the curtain of the null curriculum! Food for thought, right? Hope this has sparked some interesting conversation – and maybe even a little action. Keep exploring the topics that *matter*!