Hello Integreated Curriculum. Nice to meet you!

This class is my first official introduction to integrated curriculum. My first thoughts as I began reading the chapters assigned were, (A)"Wow! This is amazing." Followed by, (B)"Wow! This is a lot of work."
(A) Being a behavior therapist, I have worked in a variety of school settings, grade levels, and have certainly worked with my share of teachers (good and not so good.) I have watched teachers working tirelessly to get the curriculum out and to make sure that they are meeting all the state standards that are necessary. The problem is, is there is really no time for the kids to enjoy and embrace what it is they are learning. And in many cases (i.e. most the kids I work with), the lessons are flying right over their heads because they are not fully engaged in what is being taught, therefore, they are not comprehending the lesson.
I think that implementing integrated learning into the curriculum is brilliant. I think there would be less drop out rates in schools, better understanding of what is being taught and more interest in it, kids would be able to better relate history with current issues, they could get to know their community better and take more interest and charge in making changes within the community and their own lives, and I think that more students would be reached. The kid(s) that is too smart for the special day class but can't seem to keep up with the general ed. class can finally fit in because he is learning what he needs to know but he is learning it how he needs it taught to him.
(B) With that said, my personal opinion is that there is going to need to be some change within the school districts in order to see more and more teachers take on integrated learning. Living in Los Angeles and seeing how that district is ran (ran itself into the ground), they are lucky they even have people to teach children living in southern Ca. Teachers are burned out and I don't blame them. I think most teachers, at least those who really do want to teach and have the kids interest at heart, would like to take on integrated learning into their classrooms. But I also feel that they do not have the support, time, or finances to really apply this teaching method in their classrooms.
My hope is that these things change. I would love to see teachers who are thoroughly happy to be going to work and who feel that they are being supported by the community, by the parents, by their peers and by their superiors. I would also love to see integrated learning adapted into more classroom settings. Lets make school fun again! And not just for the students, but for those who are involved in these students lives.