A WOMAN'S VIEW ~ Lenore Buth

Why what's being taught in our schools matters to ALL of us

Some of us assume what's being taught in the schools needn't concern us unless we have children still attending.

 

Are you sure?   

Today's schoolkids will be tomorrow's adults. Tomorrow's leaders in every community and in every level of government.   

What these children learn in school and adopt as their personal values today will determine how they will live--and lead--tomorrow.

That kid on the corner who "drives you crazy" today may grow up to be President tomorrow.  

(And you may still be around. Don't you take better care of your health hoping to live longer?)  

Politics and preferences aside, let's think it through 

I don't pretend to be an expert in any way and this piece can only skim the surface. Any misstatements or mistakes are unintentional. Because situations vary from place to place, I hope it you will research the facts in your local schools and communities. Only then will you know for yourself what the issues are where you live.

If you've wondered why curriculum and policy in public schools has drawn so much discussion and criticism of late, start with this. Some years ago educators and school boards decided students needed to be better equipped for modern society, which called for more than "the basics." Classes such as sex education, cultural studies and sensitivity training became standard, along with varying amounts of computer science, technical skills, etc.   

Choices had to be made because there's only so much time in a school day. Which subjects and practices would stay and which would need to be either shortened or eliminated? 

The goal was that students would be more balanced, better-equipped to live in today's world and also more sensitive to all races, religions and ethnic groups. These changes and innovations were meant to ease tensions and enable a more sensitive, peaceful society for all

This often led to revisions in school policy such as ruling that any teaching of morals, ethics or integrity were not to be taught or even alluded to in the classroom. This would avoid anything that traced back to Christianity or other mainstream religious thought. The aim was to avoid offending those with other views.

(This does not imply teachers themselves lack morals or integrity.)

Each of us needs to be informed so we can form our own thoughtful judgments

This requires us to find factual information for ourselves. Start by spending some time on your computer and reading a variety of material and opinion for yourself. 

Another "hot topic" in the news is The 1619 Project, but many of us remain hazy about the subject.

As usually presented, this Project dates the beginning of this Nation back to 1619. That's when the first European settlers set foot on these shores, bringing their African slaves with them. (Slavery was common practice in many parts of the world.) 

Obviously, this predates December 18, 1620, when the ship Mayflower anchored in the harbor at Plymouth Rock, Connecticut, bringing the Pilgrims. They left Europe in order to found a colony where they could worship God as they saw fit. 

A different view of the Revolutionary War

Proponents of The 1619 Project believe this War was fought not as a battle to win freedom from British control. Rather, the aim was to increase and preserve slavery in what later became the United States of America.

Already many schools are evaluating and/or changing over to this new view of history. Textbooks and curriculum materials likely will incorporate parts or all of this 1619 Project tenets. Some schools will do a complete switchover. Others will incorporate parts of it into what's taught.  

Some educators believe before long this new curriculum will supplant traditional teaching of U.S. history at most public schools.

A unique aspect of The 1619 Project  

This Project maintains the real reason white slave-owners chose to settle this land was to establish and expand slavery of blacks so as to build their individual wealth. 

This means people with white or lighter skin have enslaved and discriminated against people with darker skin from before the beginning of this Nation and that individuals of color were--and still are--oppressed. Those with white skin were oppressors--and that continues to this day.

Furthermore, proponents believe that skin color determines one's life. For life. They maintain it is vital to teach this thinking so that all students develop compassion.  

People who don't agree ask, "How can it be helpful to imprint the idea on school kids that the color of their skin determines what kind of life and what kind of future they can have? Ever? How is this not another form of racism?"

Take note of gender issues 

You probably know that in many public schools, "gender identity" now is considered more a matter of preference than of body parts. 

Personal pronouns count. Some schools outlaw the use of personal pronouns (i.e., he, she, his, hers) altogether, considering them "discriminatory." The approved substitution is "they," "them," and "their." (New textbooks may reflect this policy.)

Starting from Pre-K on up, teachers in some schools may ask students, "Which do you feel like today, a girl or a boy?" If the child's answer differs from the obvious, they will be asked what name they prefer to be called by today. During that day the child only answers to--and can only be called by--that name.  

Some schools allow students to dress according to their gender identity of the day. Some allow kids to use the restroom(s) and showers that match the gender the child has chosen for the day. (Note: In some public schools, restrooms and locker rooms may already be unisex.)

To know about your local school(s,) ask    

Any resident has the legal right to examine textbooks, teachers' lesson plans, etc., and whatever materials will be used in the classroom. Just go to the school and ask politely to examine the curriculum and teachers' lesson plans.  

You also have the right to courteously ask school authorities about current practice(s) in the schools your children attend.

Be sure to allot yourself ample time so you clearly understand your children's school(s) and policies in use at each one. Ask questions and take notes. Get to know your school board members and attend school board meetings, not to argue but to understand. In most school districts, Board members are the bottom line.   

Curriculum and school policy set the tone--and often the limits--for what teachers can say and what they can teach. Teachers and class studies influence the attitude of students over time. What kids and teens absorb today inevitably will have impact way beyond the classroom. 

All this means these issues need to matter to every one of us, with or without children.  

Changes in thinking happen little by little

Children learn attitudes in all kinds of ways. (So do we all.)  

It's not enough to rely for information on talking heads in the media. That very well may be opinion and not even close to the truth of your local schools.  

Local citizenry staying informed is essential because once a curriculum or a philosophy is adopted in a school or school system, it's hard to change. That's step one.

Step two is to speak our well-considered opinions, reasonably and calmly, when the subject comes up in everyday conversation. 

Don't forget to pray  

Only God knows how any of this will shake out in our society and what the future impact will be.

We are called to be faithful in how we raise our children and to be aware of current events, knowing that God always has the last word. 

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21  NIV

Let's pray HE will be in the midst of every discussion, every decision and every classroom.

And now may God, who gives us his peace, be with you all. Amen   Romans 15:33 NLT

Lenore

What if we started expecting the best?

This time let me spin a fictional account drawn from a real-life experience, which has something to say to all of us.  

Picture the beginning of the school year at Spring Street School:

When brand-new teacher Angie White stopped by Principal Green's office his assistant, Sue Timms, handed her a stack of file folders.

"You'll be replacing Martha Black, who just retired. She had your fourth-graders as third-graders last year and she kept these notes on students and class materials.

"I'm not allowed to give you those students' grades. We never do because we want teachers and students to start fresh."

As Angie walked to her new classroom she thought, What a nice surprise. Maybe I'll find some clues to help me get off to a good start.

As she leafed through the folders she noticed a handwritten list of student names. Some had asterisks and some were underlined. Hmm. I'll bet these were Mrs. Black's favorites, maybe the brightest ones, or the most responsible. So many above-average kids, what fun!

The next Monday Miss Angie greeted each child with a big smile and a name tag. At day's end she thought, I was right. These kids are great!  

It wasn't long other teachers noted her upbeat attitude. "Well, she's a newbie," said Miss Mary to Miss Liz. "Remember when we thought we could change the world? She'll hit reality soon enough."

Months later, at the end of the school year:

Retired teachers were invited to the closing assembly. Afterward, Miss Angie rushed over to meet Dorothy Black. "I'm Angie White, the fourth-grade teacher who inherited your wonderful class. Thank you so much for leaving that list of students and for identifying the brightest students. Those kids are born leaders."

Dorothy Black stared at her. "My wonderful class? My dear, you can't be talking about the children I had last year. They were the main reason I retired a year early." 

Angie White's forehead creased. "But your list . . .  I mean, at first I was puzzled what those asterisks meant next to certain names. Then I guessed you must be pointing to the top students in the class. 

"And you were right-on! No matter what challenge I gave those students they out-performed. They sparked the other kids to learn, too.

"I've been so privileged to have a class like that in my first year of teaching. I'm afraid they've spoiled me for average kids."

Dorothy Black shook her head

"I'm confused. Please, give me some names."  

Miss Angie started reeling off names, her eyes shining. When she finished, Miss Black took her hand. "My dear, you just named my problem children. The incorrigible ones. The ones who never turned in their homework. That's what the asterisks stood for.

"Sandra Smith warned me what I was in for because she had those students as second-graders. She let me know which children were below-par or real behavior problems--and she was absolutely right. Last year was incredibly hard for me. To tell the truth, I'm not sure how I made it through the school year." 

Angie White couldn't think what to say. The silence stretched on.

At last Dorothy Black blotted her eyes and stammered, "Perhaps those children simply lived up to my expectations.

"And my dear, they also lived up to yours."

This tale of human nature has meaning for all of us   

It's easy to go around expecting the worst from people and from life. It takes no effort at all to become negative in our thinking. Before long we've settled into a pattern of looking at people and life through dark-colored glasses. 

And who wants to live like that day after day?

The Apostle Paul shows us how to overcome that trap: 

Finally, brothers [and sisters,] whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Philippians 4:8  NIV

If we daily follow his advice it will lift our outlook on life and people. 

And wouldn't we more likely enjoy our lives?

Here's to being a "Miss Angie" in the place where we are and letting ourselves see how blessed we are!

Praying for all of us,

Lenore

Are you sure you know what your school is teaching your kids?

Even though we know education has changed radically, most of us think we pretty much know what's being taught. Even sex education classes, which used to be controversial, have become routine in most public schools. 

Besides, we can trust the carefully-chosen books our local schools give out to students. Right?

Maybe not.

Back in August one mom in Fremont, CA, bothered to read this new textbook, slated for use this fall with 9th graders in Fremont Unified School District high schools.

She was shocked by the section on sex--and said so. She told others and more parents demanded a look-see. Protests grew.

One mom said, "The main thing is this book treats the kids as adults and the content is adult. For a 14-year old kid, to introduce him to these things, I don't think it is right at this stage."

What things? Listen to a dad: "When I looked at the book, I couldn't believe the topics that were in there. . . Bondage? How is that a healthy thing to teach a ninth-grade student?"

That's not all

Your Health Today is published by McGraw Hill. Board members who spent $204,600 to purchase it pronounced it a textbook on healthy living, with one section devoted to sex. One says a poll of students revealed many ninth-graders in their schools already are sexually active, so they need to know "the facts." 

Over 1,700 parents objected to the "facts" depicted. They signed a petition to remove the book, which covers sexual positions, fantasies and games, how to use vibrators and sex toys, bondage with ropes, handcuffs and blindfolds--and more.

Like how to tell your sexual partner(s) about previous sexual partners.

Like how to find sex websites and where to buy various equipment.

When school officials and board members finally met with the standing-room-only crowd of protesters, comments went on for hours. Later it was announced the book will not be used this fall.

I don't live in Fremont. Why should I care?

If you, like me, believe what's taught in the schools affects our society, either now or in years to come, it matters.

We all need to pay attention and be informed, then speak up. If we don't, who will?

But let's be constructive instead of critical. Let's appreciate the many good teachers who day-after-day do their best to instruct and care for students. Let's encourage parents and teens in our community and church who are trying.  

Even if our children are grown we have a part to play. Suppose instead of negative comments we daily prayed for harried parents and teachers--and teenagers--who are dealing with life as it is today.  

Living God's way in today's warped society is hard. A good word from you or me could recharge them not to wimp out.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.                --1 Thessalonians 5:11

We are here today and this is the world we live in

This one school made the news, but that doesn't mean it's the only one using questionable teaching materials or practices.  

Here are links to earlier posts that talk about that.  

http://awomansview.typepad.com/a_womans_view/2013/08/get-your-kids-ready-for-the-new-gender-attitudes-at-school.html 

http://awomansview.typepad.com/a_womans_view/2011/10/are-you-female-male-both-or-neither.html  

We are not alone!

It helps to be informed with current information and terminology, presented with a Christian perspective. The books I know best are in the well-respected Learning about Sex series from Concordia Publishing House, now in its Fifth Edition. (See link and more info in right-hand column.) 

If all this sounds daunting, let's remember this.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.                             --2 Timothy 1:7

Growing, too,

Lenore

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Get your kids ready for the new gender attitudes at school

It's back-to-school time and California parents are extra-nervous this year.

Will there be boys in the girls' restroom? Will girl athletes shower with the boys?

Blame it on AB1266, which Governor Brown just signed into law. The stated purpose is to lessen sexual harassment and bullying. Under this new law a boy who'"identifies" with being a girl can use the girls' restroom, locker room and showers. And vice versa.

It's a matter of a student's perception. 

A friend asked, "But what can I do about it?"

I wish I had a remedy, but it's the law and students in public schools are subject to it. How it's implemented from school to school probably will differ, but this law will be talked about.

I think it could be helpful to remind your kids who they are and who God created them to be. (Genesis 1:26-27)  That hasn't changed.

Start by talking through what you believe as a family and your sexual values. Christian moms will want to discuss how faith influences one's view of all of life.

Your kids may want to talk about what they're going to hear more about, the terms lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Clear up any confusion of the specifics of each of these lifestyles. 

Keep it light, with give-and-take. Be sure your children get all their questions answered and have a clear understanding. Otherwise they'll be prey to everyone else's ideas.

You may think you're giving way too much information, but remember, anyone can recite biological facts. This is your opening to talk about attitudes and behavior and help your kids set strong values for life.

Start much earlier than you might think you need to

Pay attention to what's being taught in the schools your kids attend. Be alert to information coming from organizations like Gender Spectrum. This agency educates teahcers and administrators in how they should think and how to teach their students the "right" attitudes about sexual identity.

Gender Spectrum also produces books and programs to be used beginning in kindergarten. Their stated goal is to ensure that children grow up free of any sort of gender prejudice.

Sounds all modern and enlightened, doesn't it? They maintain that children need not consider themselves a "boy" or "a girl" just because of their body parts. What matters is, do they feel more like a boy or more like a girl.

Make your home a solid foundation

• Let your family be one where anybody can ask any question or bring up any topic without getting put down. Then you'll know what your kids are thinking.
  
  
• Talk often about why the Bible teaches a  different way of living. Talk about how God loves us and wants the best for his people.
  
  
• Model the kind of talking and actions you want to see in your children and teens.
  
  
• Get involved in your church as a family. The more time your kids spend on "church stuff," the more likely they'll make Christian friends.
  
  
• Be a parent who volunteers at school so you know what goes on.
  
  
• Speak up and write letters when you spot disturbing trends. 
  

Feeling overwhelmed?

Here's the prescription. You and I need to fill our minds with the hugeness of God instead of our own inadequacies by reading Bible verses like this:

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.    --Isaiah 41:10

One thing you can know for sure. God watches over your children, always. 

Trusting, too,

Lenore

 

 

 

 

 

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