Apple and Slattery Dialogue

If Apple and Slattery were to sit down and discuss curriculum and education, I imagine it would be a very insightful and thought provoking conversation.

Both of these scholars explore the contemporary issues we face in the field of education - both want to see a change to schools and education in some way or another. I imagine Apple would focus on the most current issues and debates in education. Slattery would probably speak more on the post modern era and the historical aspect of these issues. I am not sure if these two men would agree or disagree more often than not.

However, with that being said, from our readings and discussions; I believe that both of their ideas would overlap in some ways. The idea of accountability and what and how teachers teach would be a major theme within the discussion. Apple's concept of conservative modernization has transformed the ideas surrounding schools and he discusses that in chapter three of his book. He would speak to Slattery of reflections - i.e. looking at the traditional approaches in schools and how much has changed and/or what needs to be changed still. Slattery would speak more of currere and the post modern perspective - i.e. school's curriculum is in an essence currere - basically an interpretation of lived experiences rather than a constant course of studies or classes to be completed.

Both Apple and Slattery would be open to discussing controversial issues like religion in schools, academic freedom, and the gender roles (gays, lesbians, etc) within schools today - I don't see them being uncomfortable with these topics since both are willing to bring these types of things up within their own books.

A dialogue between these two men could perhaps guide us current educators into a new way of thinking along with potentially gaining new perspectives about our role in the realm of education.