If museum field trips are to be considered truly educational, and worthy of the ever-shrinking transportation dollars, etc., and not merely a day away from the classroom, the museum's teaching goals should be aligned with those of the classroom teachers.

The Connecticut State Department of Education has posted their Curriculum Frameworks outlining the content standards for Connecticut students grades K-12:

• The Arts (dance, music, theatre, and visual arts)
• Health and Safety
• Language Arts
• Learning Resources and Information Technology
• Mathematics
• Physical Education
• Science
• Social Studies
• Technology
• World Languages

By cross-referencing the strengths of a museum's collection and core story with the educational goals of the state, a museum educator is better equipped to match the strengths of the museum with the overarching goals of the schools.

Visit the Department of Education Web site and check out the CT Curriculum Frameworks today.