Standards-Based Geography Education: U.S. Experience and Prospects for Reform in Morocco
Abstract
This study examines the implementation of the standards-based approach in teaching geography within the American educational system, widely regarded as a leading model of educational reform, and analyzes its potential relevance for current curriculum reforms in Morocco. The analysis begins with an exploration of the institutional framework and the key reference documents guiding this approach, with particular attention to geography curricula at the 4th, 8th, and 12th grade assessment levels. Using a descriptive-analytical methodology, the research conducts a content analysis of six official educational documents, including the National Geography Standards and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Framework. The central research question investigates the extent to which the American standards-based system has achieved measurable improvements in geography education outcomes, and what implications can be drawn for the Moroccan context. The findings highlight that the standards-based approach has significantly clarified educational objectives and strengthened learners’ spatial thinking and critical analysis abilities. It has also emphasized essential geographical skills, such as formulating questions, sourcing diverse information, organizing and analyzing data, and interpreting geographical phenomena. This skills-focused framework has contributed to the development of a solid knowledge base enabling learners to analyze geographic issues and apply concepts in real-world contexts. However, the study also identifies persistent challenges, particularly those related to state-level decentralization and unequal distribution of educational resources, which have contributed to disparities in educational quality. Building on these insights, the study proposes that selected elements of the American experience may inform efforts to enhance geography education and strengthen standards-based curriculum design in Morocco.References
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