I haven't read the language in the proposed " Parent's Bill of Rights" but I will acknowledge, for some, this might be a vehicle for "dumbing down education". I suspect much of this relates to the proposed social studies curriculum standards, now in the third draft. It's a detailed document with specific guidelines for each age group from K- 12 levels. It does introduce new content, not seen in previous curricula, especially relating to the category of "ethnic studies".
Everyone can form their own opinion about the language and the level of subjectivity each teacher has to instruct the content and how leading they might be in leaning towards a particular point of view.
I would urge everyone to look at the language- you can google the proposed standards- and see where some parents might be interested as to how any particular teacher might choose to present the content to their students. And that might speak to measured parental involvement and perhaps discussion with the teacher. And if handled in a civil way, that should be a good thing without having to cite some sort of "bill of rights".
Schools require teachers to not only teach the children but also control the classroom, a skill that doesn't come automatically for everyone, and is a skill set in and of itself. I have talked to some newly graduated black teachers who are frustrated and unhappy that they are often hired to work in uncomfortable and unsafe school settings. It sounds great, and we have read that it is best for students, to place like colored teachers with students, but I think it is asking too much to soon for many of them. I think onboarding teachers of color is important but the fact that they are of color is not a solution to todays school problems.
Some people, based on ill founded political beliefs, just want to call the shots regardless of the effect on others, in this case, not only the dedicated professionals who educate, but the long term future affect on their own children who are and will be deprived of their right develop an objective view of the past and present. Tom, Great article.
There is a special place in Southern Minnesota - Valley Grove Church just outside Nerstrad - where Quie, I believe, is buried. My wife’s immigrant family, the Veblens, are buried there too. It’s a beautiful place, surrounded by restored prairie. There used to be a 200 year old oak tree in the graveyard, but that came apart in a storm. I used to go there to meditate. There’s two churches - one “old” and one “new.” The old church would be a great place to hold a seminar on education, or launch a campaign 🤓. Great piece, Tom.
I haven't read the language in the proposed " Parent's Bill of Rights" but I will acknowledge, for some, this might be a vehicle for "dumbing down education". I suspect much of this relates to the proposed social studies curriculum standards, now in the third draft. It's a detailed document with specific guidelines for each age group from K- 12 levels. It does introduce new content, not seen in previous curricula, especially relating to the category of "ethnic studies".
Everyone can form their own opinion about the language and the level of subjectivity each teacher has to instruct the content and how leading they might be in leaning towards a particular point of view.
I would urge everyone to look at the language- you can google the proposed standards- and see where some parents might be interested as to how any particular teacher might choose to present the content to their students. And that might speak to measured parental involvement and perhaps discussion with the teacher. And if handled in a civil way, that should be a good thing without having to cite some sort of "bill of rights".
Schools require teachers to not only teach the children but also control the classroom, a skill that doesn't come automatically for everyone, and is a skill set in and of itself. I have talked to some newly graduated black teachers who are frustrated and unhappy that they are often hired to work in uncomfortable and unsafe school settings. It sounds great, and we have read that it is best for students, to place like colored teachers with students, but I think it is asking too much to soon for many of them. I think onboarding teachers of color is important but the fact that they are of color is not a solution to todays school problems.
Some people, based on ill founded political beliefs, just want to call the shots regardless of the effect on others, in this case, not only the dedicated professionals who educate, but the long term future affect on their own children who are and will be deprived of their right develop an objective view of the past and present. Tom, Great article.
Thanks for the correction! There’s big Quie headstone there. Great day trip on a summer’s day. A lovely, lovely spot.
There is a special place in Southern Minnesota - Valley Grove Church just outside Nerstrad - where Quie, I believe, is buried. My wife’s immigrant family, the Veblens, are buried there too. It’s a beautiful place, surrounded by restored prairie. There used to be a 200 year old oak tree in the graveyard, but that came apart in a storm. I used to go there to meditate. There’s two churches - one “old” and one “new.” The old church would be a great place to hold a seminar on education, or launch a campaign 🤓. Great piece, Tom.
All true...EXCEPT the burial ground. Gov Quie stil is with us, a spry 98. His wife passed away 6-7 years ago, however
Right on Tom!!!!
Spot on, Tom! Well said. So much of this divisiveness stems from deep fear and ignorance. Al Quie's approach is an exemplar for us all even today.