I was listening to a podcast the other day and they mentioned comparing two different curriculum publishers. The lady was asked her opinion, of one versus the other.
She said she hasn't checked the one out! then proceeded to explain why she choose the one they use.
I was shocked. First of all that she would offer more than a generic opinion without actually reviewing or at least doing a good google study of a curriculum, and second that she has picked her curriculum and hasn't looked back.
Though looking further into it, maybe she has the right of way. Maybe a decent curriculum is better than jumping around from one to another every time you read of a new idea. And she was simply asked her opinion, not like she gave a full review without study.
I tend to research, research, and more research on any type of program that might fit our needs. I constantly second guess my choices for the kids education, from how much structure to how many 'extras' every detail is constantly being reevaluated.
On the one hand, it wouldn't be good to get so comfortable I refuse to change, or fail to notice a problem. On the other hand constantly second guessing can lead to an aweful lot of needless time spent reading up on other alternatives.
I think this is a case of 'walk the line' we have to find the right balance between reviewing to ensure things are working as well as they can, and changing to ensure we have the best available program.
I also check (and of course listen to your opinion) but for the most part our Reading and Math curriculum is set because it works best for our kids. If that changes then we change. We have used it for a couple years though. The Science and History I still don't have a set one for. Writing changes with the breeze or a good idea and English is rather like jello. I could also never not keep looking for something better, especially when I see problems.
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