Curriculum planning/development

I look back on my experience as a pre-service teacher and I had a great time teaching and creating lesson plans with different learning models. I created working relationships with students that re-assures me on my career choice. however, in reading the chapters in the text and conversing with my colleagues I realize now that I lack knowledge in the curriculum planning and development stage. I do understand that there will be growth on the job but so many have talked of their working experience with mentor teachers and administrators I can't help but feel overwhelming behind the curve. This will prove not to be just any other class as I can see it will help point me in the right direction.

My Educational Philosophy!

I have a lot of beliefs about learning and how I think education should be run. Far be it for me to suggest I know exactly how things should be, but AI feel that as an educator my voice should be heard as often as it needs to be. I believe every educator should stand up for his/her belief system.
As far as learning, I believe there should be a lot expected of our students. I feel that we don't place enough accountability on the students for THEIR education. Too often an educator is blamed for the failures of students when the students do not allow themselves to be reached at all. Our curriculum should be such that each student should feel stretched in their education in high school. A high school diploma should mean something and making demands on students should not suffer because we are more worried about statistics in testing.
I am sure that my opinions and philosophies will change over the course of this class and the course of my teaching career, as it should. I'm looking forward to the experiences before me!