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This is a research seminar paper written by a student from York university. She argues that the current Ontario curriculum for Primary and Junior Social Studies needs to be changed for several reasons. She argues that the current curriculum is exclusive to minority groups that include immigrants, people from the gay, lesbian and bisexual community, people of colour and kids from non-nuclear families. She stresses that the curriculum is written from a Eurocentric perspective and does harm to the history of Aboriginals and coloured peoples. In a nutshell, the author believes the current curriculum does not generate a positive means of socialization for students. Even if you do not agree with her arguments, take note of the issues she raises and we can see if the new curriculum touches on these issues when it is released this year. As a teacher, this paper is a good reminder to create an inclusive class room environment and academic program, even if the curriculum fails to outline this as a guideline for teachers.

Hi again, found this short exert from Teaching and Testing to Continuous Learning and Improvement by John Jay Bonstingl which looks at the quality paradigm shift in education. The book was originally intended for teachers and curriculum development committees but offers useful information for anyone in the education community. The main body of the article is broken into two main parts. In the first part of the article the author compares the old paradigm of teaching and testing to the new paradigm of continuous learning and improvement and in the second part the author shows a comparison of these two techniques when applied to social studies. This could be useful as a point of reference when developing lesson plans which are intended to engage and stimulate students.