|
Post by ladygrace on Sept 8, 2010 1:45:21 GMT -5
W Who do you think sets the minimum requirements, decides which novels can be used in English classes, etc.? School boards have some input, but the final say is the government. . Having taught English for 16 years, I have to tell you that you are incorrect. In my state the standards set by the government only specify that we teach certain genres, certain literary concepts (i.e. allegory, symbols, motifs), and that the high school curriculum include authors from the state. The standards do not specify any specific work of literature at all. Schools with input from teachers, parent committees sometimes, and school boards are free to choose their own novels, plays and shorter selections. It is not at all atypical for a new teacher to come into a school and request that a new novel he or she has enjoyed teaching be purchased and added to his or her class. At one large public high school I did a college practicum in, the department had a large collection of novels, plays etc...for each grade level which individual teachers could choose from for their own sections of the course. Having spent time at various national conferences with other English teachers, this is basically the way things are done in most states in regard to choosing novels. Literature anthologies (the large textbooks which include shorter works) may be chosen in a more uniform way, but teachers use those in varying degrees ranging from--in my experience--barely to not at all. Most rely on novels, plays and other materials outside of the anthology. Lucky states. Where I went to high school, there were state-mandated books for certain years, and one of my English teachers had to use the book she hated the most. My mother in law is at the local high school here, and same thing. She's annoyed at home much control the government here has over certain things, like the books allowed and some required.
|
|
|
Post by ladygrace on Sept 8, 2010 1:51:41 GMT -5
In the Duggar's world Wisdom booklets replace beauty magazines with distorted views of the world and intense pressure to think a certain way. Only one kind of s*x is right. Too much emphasis on one religious leader who think he has the answers to life's troubles. Bill Gothard makes enormous amounts of money selling ATI material. He is almost 'God' to the Duggars. It is a form of idolatry when you blindly follow one man. Only certain careers are allowed. Using how the mainstream is no way justifies the legalistic Fundie teachings. These girls aren't free at all. They are free from our pressures (like being 36-24-36 with perfect perky boobs, perfect hair, etc.), but have another set of pressures with higher stakes. We may not be seen as the sexiest woman alive and shallow people may not like us but they risk losing their family, their entire support network, if they rebel. We, however, may actually be seen as inspiring and loved for rebelling. I don't get how they're supposedly free.
|
|
|
Post by cereselle on Sept 8, 2010 18:43:42 GMT -5
We listened to Psalty the Singing Songbook records and tapes. Anyone else around here remember one Charity Churchmouse? Oh no you did NOT bring that up! Dear Lord, the hours we spent listening to those. I can't hear the words Provolone or Mozzarella without mentally adding "We're the cheeses for Jesus!" *bangs head*
|
|
|
Post by kisekileia on Sept 8, 2010 19:46:34 GMT -5
My cousins liked Psalty. I was a shade too young. I remember Veggie Tales though! My parents still have the VHS tapes in their family room.
|
|
|
Post by rosa on Sept 13, 2010 22:06:07 GMT -5
Ladygrace, the government that sets the standards for textbooks is the state government, not the federal government.
Most states don't legally mandate that specific texts be used, but they bulk-buy the texts they approve and give them to schools for free; individual school districts can usually opt out but then they have to buy their own materials. And of course some states might actually have text standards, since it's up to the individual state legislatures.
|
|