Tucson, Arizona Parents Challenge Ethnic Studies Curriculum; anti-Capitalist Content

[FrankRep]

http://www.thenewamerican.com/images/stories2011/08aMay/tusconschoolboard-t.001.jpg



Parents in Tucson, Arizona, are beyond disgruntled over the content of an anti-capitalist, anti-American textbook used in an ethnics studies curriculum for Grades 3–12.


Tucson Parents Challenge Ethnic Studies Curriculum (http://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/education/7452-tucson-parents-challenge-ethnic-studies-curriculum)


Raven Clabough | The New American (http://www.thenewamerican.com/)
12 May 2011


Parents in Tucson, Arizona, are beyond disgruntled over the content of a textbook used in an ethnic studies curriculum for Grades 3–12. At a Tucson board meeting that took place on May 10 (picture, left and video below) parents articulated their anger over the curriculum’s content, and read aloud excerpts from the controversial book.

One mother began the tirade against the curriculum by asking, “I want to know why books like this one are being taught to our kids.” She explained that she confronted the issue with administrators at the school, and was told that the book was used in at least 5 classes, including third graders.
...

Shocking Excerpts Read at Tucson School Board Meeting From A Book In The Ethic Studies Curriculum


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZzovZasFms


Full Story:
http://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/education/7452-tucson-parents-challenge-ethnic-studies-curriculum

[specsaregood]

LOL @ the end where the board member complains about the language she is reciting straight from the teaching texts being inappropriate. When it is the same material being taught to 3rd graders.

[heavenlyboy34]

This is actually old news. The story broke in Phoenix last year. I had heard the classes had been canceled, but can't verify that for sure.

[dannno]

It's probably a pretty good book, although I don't doubt it may be flawed. A lot of people have done some pretty shitty things in the name of our country.

[FrankRep]

This is actually old news. The story broke in Phoenix last year. I had heard the classes had been canceled, but can't verify that for sure.

Ongoing News...

Tucson district in turmoil over state ban on ethnic studies (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2011/0504/Tucson-district-in-turmoil-over-state-ban-on-ethnic-studies)
The Tucson Unified School District is considering turning ethnic studies courses into electives. The current setup may be out of compliance with a state law took effect Jan. 1.


CS Monitor
May 4, 2011

[osan]

It's probably a pretty good book, although I don't doubt it may be flawed. A lot of people have done some pretty shitty things in the name of our country.

I have not read the book, so I cannot comment with any intelligence. That said, a question that should be raised centers on that which they make commentary. Are such books addressing facts of history - those "shitty" things to which you refer or are then attacking capitalism per se? The former is certainly reasonable, the latter certainly questionable.

There are facts of history. Those are the things that should be taught IMO. Editorializing on those facts seems to be dangerous no matter what side on which it falls. On the one hand you have these liberal, America-hating douches who demonize everything the white settlers did, down to how they wiped their butts. On the other extreme you have the "America, love it or leave" ninnies for whom America is capable of no wrong. As is so common, the properly balanced middle-path appears impossibly elusive.