Creating a body of standards is a daunting task. As we all get busy, we get pulled into using existing, often times mandated sets of standards. This is not entirely a bad thing, because many sets of standards do offer something meaningful.
However, I keep coming back to reasons that creating an open set of standards, and more importantly an open tool that facilitates the creation of open standards, could be really beneficial for education. It is important to document these reasons.
External standards change often, and unpredictably.
Educational politics get really ugly.
Non-open standards bodies allow the parent organization significant control in education. If they don't like how you are using their standards, can an organization force you to stop using the curriculum and tools you have built on top of their standards?
Open standards can follow a consistent format and internal structure, which makes it possible to efficiently build open tools that allow for the collaborative creation of curriculum. This is especially helpful when developing interdisciplinary learning experiences.
Creating a body of standards is a daunting task. As we all get busy, we get pulled into using existing, often times mandated sets of standards. This is not entirely a bad thing, because many sets of standards do offer something meaningful.
However, I keep coming back to reasons that creating an open set of standards, and more importantly an open tool that facilitates the creation of open standards, could be really beneficial for education. It is important to document these reasons.