tagged w/ Curriculum
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If you have a child currently enrolled in public school be warned: a heavy dose of religion may accompany his or her studies.
According to Kimberly Winston of Religion News Service, a number of state legislators are now pushing some legislation that would introduce studying the Bible as a choice in their state's public schools, and other legislation that would teach creationism as valid.
Bible courses, offered as elective "literature" classes, are being considered by lawmakers in Arizona and have already been approved in South Dakota, South Carolina, Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Since these classes are not mandatory and are supposed to be taught with religious neutrality, there has not been a great deal of public opposition to them. Some school districts within the states where they are allowed still choose to not offer them at all.
To read the rest of this article by AHA Executive Director Roy Speckhardt, click here: http://hmn.st/xXKSCIIf you have a child currently enrolled in public school be warned: a heavy dose of... more
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Millions of Texas students head back to school this week confronted by a dramatically altered, state-mandated social studies curriculum.
The contentious hearings of the Texas State Board of Education received considerable attention in the spring of 2010, but seem to have fallen out of the public consciousness as the new school year begins. The new curriculum, officially called the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, deserves renewed attention, as it will undoubtedly surprise most Texans.
The fiercest battle during the board's hearings was fought over the 11th-grade history curriculum, which in Texas is "United States History since 1877." The exception to that timeline is the new state-mandated "Celebrate Freedom Week," during which students will learn about our founding fathers. That sounds simple enough, except that the only founding fathers included in the curriculum are Benjamin Rush, John Hancock, John Jay, John Witherspoon, John Peter Muhlenberg, Charles Carroll and Jonathan Trumbull Sr. What about George Washington, Thomas Jefferson or John Adams? They are nowhere to be found in the new high school TEKS. Students apparently learned everything they need to know about them in eighth grade.
As part of the board's effort to emphasize the positives in American history, students will no longer learn about "American imperialism." Instead students will discuss "American expansionism" and come to understand how "missionaries moved the United States into the position of a world power." The board eliminated mention of our government's use of propaganda during World War I, and instead of analyzing Truman's decision to use the atomic bomb at the end of World War II, students will now analyze the development of the bomb. Additionally, students will now "evaluate efforts by international organizations to undermine U.S. sovereignty."
Perhaps you have heard something about a labor movement in the 20th century? No longer will your children.......
Continue at:
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/08/25-5Millions of Texas students head back to school this week confronted by a dramatically... more
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Lauriston Girls' School in Armadale, Melbourne, has become the first independent school in Australia to run the Australian Developmental Curriculum. This innovative program, which focuses on actively engaging students in investigations and play while developing new skills, is currently being implemented in Prep classes for 5-6 year olds. http://www.lauriston.vic.edu.au/Lauriston Girls' School in Armadale, Melbourne, has become the first independent... more
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This is a buzz about Greenberg Traurig partners pledging $1.25 million to endow an unusual new University of Miami professorship to teach law students about the business of law. It will fund an endowed chair in a subject that is little taught at most law schools. Learn more about the people behind this and know what the law subject is all about.This is a buzz about Greenberg Traurig partners pledging $1.25 million to endow an... more
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From preschool curriculum to vocational school to a new trend in adult education, here are 25 surprising facts about China’s education system.From preschool curriculum to vocational school to a new trend in adult education, here... more
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Solving Light Books announced today that Don McLeroy, controversial Chair of the Texas State Board of Education, has recommended "Sowing Atheism" by Robert Bowie Johnson, Jr., to other board members and to the general public. McLeroy's timely recommendation could influence the board's final decision on the science curriculum scheduled for March 27. The Texas decision will determine what is printed in science textbooks nationwide.
Mr. Johnson, who holds a general science degree from West Point, wrote “Sowing Atheism” in response to the book, “Science, Evolution, and Creationism” published in January by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). The NAS sent its book to educators, school boards, and science teachers throughout the country. According to Johnson, the NAS book falsely affirms that molecules-to-man evolution is a “fact” when, in reality, it does not even meet the minimum conditions for a valid theory of science.
In his book, Johnson shows that the NAS cannot pick any one of the two million or so living species and identify the species from which it allegedly evolved, nor can the NAS produce any evidence for the alleged evolution of the sexes. Further, Johnson points out, the NAS admits it lacks a "plausible hypothesis" for the origin of life.Solving Light Books announced today that Don McLeroy, controversial Chair of the Texas... more
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The local school board is keeping high schools in British Columbia from teaching a new social justice course that covers issues dealing with everything from homophobia to animal rights.
The school board says it wants to review the course's content after religious groups objected to the teachings. As a result, one high school swiftly modified the course, eliminating information about gay and lesbian rights.
A letter from the board about the course indicated they thought a number of the subjects were better suited to college students. "Many of the issues and topics are very sensitive and encroach on areas of family values, beliefs and practices," reads the letter, according to the Sun. "Some resources and related discussions may leave students feeling alienated or threatened rather than feeling accepted and respected for their opinions and perspectives."
The Social Studies Department head at the high school, Leanne Abrey, said she was frustrated by the board's action. "[I] kind of questioned why a ministry-approved course would need to have board approval. I don't think it reflects well on our community. It sort of defeats the purpose of a social justice course when it can't be offered", she stated.The local school board is keeping high schools in British Columbia from teaching a new... more
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