Accountability
The Colorado Educators Association members are rallying support against a house bill that would require schools to notify parents as to what they are teaching students in their schools. This bill (see a full summary here) proposes that all schools are transparent in their curriculum. They would have to prove protection of students on devices, as well as report what lessons and reading materials are being used in classrooms. Schools would be required to spell out how they are dealing with controversial issues in society, as well as the professional development training that teachers would be receiving on equity and other topics.
The CEA, the largest state union for Colorado educators, is not happy about this proposal. According to one member of the union, it is just an “anti-education control grab parading as transparency”. This organization, as well as the National Educators Association, are known for fighting to protect the autonomy of what is being taught in individual classrooms. However, the union does not want to admit that there are teachers who are going rogue. There have been documented cases of teachers deviating from the curriculum and approved standards. Take this lesson for instance. A social studies teacher assigned this to students and called the lesson “How Should Wealth Be Divided?” Students are being asked to look at the socialistic countries of Cuba and North Korea to compare it to the inequality of wealth in the United States. This particular lesson is reviewed by Lisa Hudson in her article. She expresses her concern that progressive, socialist ideas are indoctrinating the public school system. She is not alone. Critics from both sides of the aisle are speaking out about the modifications that are being made by educators, in the name of social justice. This is not an isolated example of the propaganda that is being pushed in our schools. |
We are now seeing leaders of the Democratic Socialist Party urging members to become teachers to further the socialist agenda in the country. They are no longer trying to hide the fact that they want to infiltrate the workplace. The DSA is hoping to convince teachers that through union strength and lobbying, they can control policy and the educational process. An article written by a member of the DSA lays out their plan.
In another article, the Ethnic Studies curriculum for students in California is highlighted. The author covers his concerns that the course will not necessarily teach about cultural differences and celebrating them. Instead, it will cover specifically, the oppression by whites over other races, and genders, as well as perpetuate disdain for our country. The author highlights a part of the course description where “capitalism is listed as one of the forms of “oppression,” right along with white supremacy and racism.” These new curriculum models take liberties that are not afforded under the current national social studies standards. |
These are the types of examples that the author of HB22-1066 wants the public to know about. The request for schools to be transparent is not a big ask. Teachers have always been expected to disclose their lessons if asked. Why is the CEA pushing back on these types of initiatives from the public?
The House Education Committee members were assigned this bill on January 14th under the leadership of its sponsor, Rep. Tim Geitner. Public comment for this bill is welcome and encouraged. You can contact any of the committee members to ask questions by phone or email - their contact information can be found here. Or reach out to Rod Bockenfeld, our local Representative to the House to let him know how you would like to vote when this bill reaches the House floor. |
How can I help?
There are many different ways that citizens can get involved in the educational process. Schools are asking for participation in many different ways. The schools along the corridor have made school board meetings readily available for the public to watch and participate in. Together, we can contribute time and attention to our young people. Below is a list of opportunities:
-Attend a board meeting (virtual): Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail
-Run for school board positions
-Write your local superintendent
-Weigh in on the new superintendent search for Strasburg Schools
-Attend a board meeting (virtual): Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail
-Run for school board positions
-Write your local superintendent
- Bennett * Mrs. Robin Purdy
- Strasburg * Ms. Monica Johnson
- Byers * Mr. Tom Turrell
- Deer Trail * Mr. BJ Buchmann
-Weigh in on the new superintendent search for Strasburg Schools
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,
though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:6-7
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