ch a manner students leave high school unprepared and unchallenged. How can students excel in college when they did not need to exert themselves in high school? Several different views exist on changing the current system. One program mandates the increase in time dedicated to the studies of history, literature, and foreign languages (Cheney 28). The main reasons for studying history are actually quite obvious. The reformers assert history gives individuals a common cultural background and helps prevent past mistakes. Literature demonstrates its importance by reflecting the human condition. Mimetic, or representing reality in a timeless manner allowing people to understand themselves, describes true literature. Along with history and literature, foreign languages also play an active role in education. They not only help communication with others, but also help one better learn a native tongue through comparative grammar. Even though these ideas indicate necessity, the American schools must still find ways to implement them and fortify current courses offered.Starting at the local levels of education, curriculum reform must transpire. Districts need to create plans to exceed the standards set by the National Commission on Excellence in Education. Upon setting these goals, changing the way many high school courses are taught is essential. When considering each college preparatory course, reformers must question if the course really prepares the students adequately for the challenges of college. Not only should textbooks require more substantial content to improve courses, but also teachers need to gain more knowledge about the subjects taught (28).Obviously, curriculum reform is only one part of the major overhaul needed in American education. If citizens do not start reforming today, disastrous consequences will result. America’s future will remain undereducated and unable to keep pace with the rest of the world. Hi...
