What is Essentialism?
Is the educational philosophy of teaching basic skills. This philosophy advocates training the mind. Essentialist educators focus on transmitting a series of progressively difficult topics and promotion of students to the next level or grade. Subjects are focused on the historical context of the material world and culture, and move sequentially to give a solid understanding of the present day. This philosophy stresses core knowledge in reading, writing, math, science, history, foreign language, and technology. The tools include lecturing, memorization, repetition, practice, and assessment. - Edupedia
Essentialism
"Essentialism" from New Dictionary of the History of Ideas by ISBN: 9780684314525Publication Date: 2004
Thought Leaders in Essentialism
William Bagley, took progressivist approaches to task in the journal he formed in 1934. Other proponents of Essentialism are: James D. Koerner (1959), H. G. Rickover (1959), and Theodore Sizer (1985).
- James D. Koerner: "What Shall We Teach?" speech in 1959Presents the text of a speech given by Council for Basic Education executive secretary James D. Koerner on July 20, 1959, which deals with the curriculum in the U.S. educational system.
- James D. Koerner: "Advice for Parents and Other Amateurs About Teachers" Speech in 1976Presents the text of a speech given by James D. Koerner, program officer of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, on October 29, 1976, which deals with the decline of academic achievement in public schools.
- H.G. Rickover: "A National Standard for Education" Speech in 1962Presents the text of a speech given by U.S. Navy Vice Admiral H. G. Rickover on October 3, 1962, which addresses the significance of establishing a national scholastic standard in the U.S.
- "Ted Sizer and Pragmatic Curriculum"From chapter 5 of the book, Curriculum : From Theory to Practice, 2011.
School Choices
- Core Knowledge SchoolsAs Core Knowledge founder E. D. Hirsch, Jr., explains in Why Knowledge Matters, “Only a well-rounded, knowledge-specific curriculum can impart needed knowledge to all children and overcome inequality of opportunity.”
Streaming Media
- Core Knowledge Principles
Brief clip on core knowledge principles.
