To offset the current extreme trend in public school curriculum toward accountability and quantifiable, testable learning objectives, this essay addresses the curricular implications of adopting a perspective of "sympathetic knowing," defined as appreciation, experiencing connectedness, and experiencing social responsibility. (TE)

Defines humanism as a philosophy based on the worth of human beings. Traces the history of humanistic education from its Renaissance roots in Europe through the rise of progressive education, teacher education, elementary education, vocational education, and curriculum development in the United States. Sees humanism as inextricably related to…