Pages

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Opus 2013-361: CCC: Out with the Classic, in with the Mediocre

One of the complaints I have heard about the new Common Core Curriculum (CCC) is that it is throwing out the use of literature in teaching and substituting boring selections taken from practical sources such as operator’s manuals and travel brochures.  Based on the “literature” that has become standard in education I am not sure that is a bad thing. 

What they don’t tell you is that they are also taking out the literature part of English.  Actually they deny it by saying that they still allow literature.  The truth is that it becomes a junior partner.  I just sat in a training session where the new jargon was introduced.  We now speak of “Informational Texts.”  Here is a portion of what was presented,
“Students read a true balance of informational and literary texts.  Elementary school classrooms are, therefore, places where students access the world - science, social studies, the arts and literature - through text.  At least 50% of what students read is informational.”
If you are bored and need something to do you can see the entire packet that was downloaded from the internet at the following site.

Notice two important phrases, “true balance” and “at least 50%.”  How do you define “true balance?”  What is the opposite, “false balance?”  And people assume that “at least 50%” means about half when it could also mean 95%.  This way of writing is designed to make you feel comfortable and leave them free to do whatever they want.

A quick glace at the examples they gave showed that they all came from personal journals of period pieces that left a lot to be desired in the quality of the writing.  Primary sources are important in teaching but who chooses the primary source.  The personal letters of someone’s Aunt Sophie are not necessarily as important as a letter by Thomas Jefferson.  It turns out that well known writers and classic literature need not apply.

I am afraid that a primary reason history is not emphasized is the same rational that has removed classical literature.  If you know your heritage and the struggles of the past you are harder to control in the future.  They give you a foundation to anchor you as you stand up for the important issues of life.  Without that knowledge you are trying to keep your head above water in the rapids of liberal jargon.

Progress is a wonderful thing, if you are a Progressive.

homo unius libri

2 comments:

  1. As you know, the purpose of "modern education" has nothing at all to do with real education.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know that. You know that. The vast majority of teachers don't seem to be aware of it.

      Grace and peace.

      Delete

Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.