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Teacher Conceptions, Curriculum Ideologies, And Adaptations To Linear Change In River School District: Implications For Gifted And Talented, William T. Allen Jr., Scott L. Hunsaker

Teacher Education and Leadership Faculty Publications

Curriculum ideologies are educational theories applied in everyday pedagogical practice. In this study, to better meet the learning needs of their students, four middle school teachers used a variety of ideologies as a professional toolbox. When confronted with school district standardization, these teachers adapted; however, as predicted by earlier studies, adjustments required the loss of previously successful curriculum. As predicted by Feldhusen, these losses affected teachers of high-level students (honors and gifted and talented) the most. In this district, two such teachers opposed standardization; nevertheless, even with resistance, they lost ideological-based curriculum choices. What are teachers of high-level students …