of 6, 7, and 8th grade students. He then assigned an essay about its importance for homework. Shouldn't teachers be teaching the curriculum and not indoctrinating? This Florida teacher is probably one of those complaining about "No Child Left Behind" and its adherence to a given curriculum.
2007-02-19 07:46:16 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
I think this teacher is intelligent, responsible and courageous. I suppose if Gallileo had told his students about the movement of the planets he would have been accused of indoctrinating them. Someday these kids will be among the small minority who won't look back and say. "Why didn't anybody tell us when there was still time to do something?"
2007-02-19 07:56:17 · answer #1 · answered by Lleh 6 · 6⤊ 3⤋
Well, first off, have you ever even seen "An Inconvenient Truth"? It's a fascinating, scientific- not political- look at the effects of global warming. Actually, as a teacher and a parent, I believe it should be on EVERY high school (not middle school) curriculum. You also fail to tell us what the homework assignment was exactly. Far too often I find that parents jump to conclusions without ever politely asking the teacher what his/ her philosophy or objective is in regards to a particular project.
I show "An Inconvenient Truth" in my high school classes. It is perfectly alligned into my state's standards and curriculum.
These standards are:
1. Language for information and understanding.
2. Language for synthesis and critical evaluation.
3. Language for social interaction
4. Language for analytical thinking.
And, oh, by the way... "The No Child Left Behind Act" indeed sucks. It's not that teachers complain about it because it makes them worker harder per se. We complain about it because it forces school districts to teach to the test, does not foster any creative thinking, and creates more stress on students by shoving developmentally inappropriate material down their throats. In short, it leaves MORE kids behind than ever before.
2007-02-19 08:21:57 · answer #2 · answered by "Corey" 3 · 6⤊ 1⤋
For children that age, "An Inconvenient Truth" is an excellant introduction to the science--and issues--of global warming and climate change. and thus very much a part of a science curriculum--or should be. Its certainly not "indoctrination" exccept perhaps to the necons who are more interested in their own ideology than in scientific truth.
Your comments about "No Child" it DOES NOT WORK. I am a teacher--at the university level--and I have seen the results. Anyone who still supports that failed policy either does not know the issues or cares nothing about the education and welfare of America's children.
2007-02-19 08:12:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
No, I see no point in teaching our youth that if you lie and get away with it (as Al Gore did by fabricating facts) you can make a lot of money and be famous. It is important for our children to learn about the world and global warming, but it's better for them to hear facts in school, not just the politics involved.
2016-05-24 11:48:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not only is the movie an acclaimed, highly nominated work of art, but it is also an excellent source of information about global warming and scientific data with barely any political agenda at all.
Even if it did have a political agenda, it is not inappropriate for middle schoolers to hear politics in school. They do have government and civics in their curricula, and this is just another vehicle to introduce them to it.
I applaud the teacher's decision. It's high time that teachers got away from NCLB and threw it back in George Bush's face. We have minds of our own and don't need government to tell us how to teach or what to teach. Public education needs help, and we need funding, but we certainly don't need someone like Bush to "fix" education for us!
2007-02-19 09:08:04 · answer #5 · answered by luvmelodio 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
You're lucky you still have a teacher that still likes to learn and think for themselves. Have you seen these 'curriculums?' They're for a pretty low denomanator. I bet that guy still gets the test scores if his kids are smart enough.
2007-02-19 12:09:56 · answer #6 · answered by Mark J 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Global warming is a scientifically substantiated observation. An inconvenient truth talks about one way to address the issue. I'd say show it and teach our young children what impact we have on our environment.
There are some political references in the movie, but it isn't the soul of the film.
2007-02-19 07:52:04 · answer #7 · answered by an observer 1 · 7⤊ 3⤋
I think it's a great movie to show to kids. The earlier they start to learn about global warming the better. However I think the essay was unnecessary. This issue should not be forced.
2007-02-19 07:50:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 4⤋
Sounds like the teacher was encouraging the students to think for themselves, to me. Students of that age need to consider the problems facing this planet---they will have to deal with them soon enough.
2007-02-19 07:49:17 · answer #9 · answered by MOM KNOWS EVERYTHING 7 · 8⤊ 3⤋
No, it is wrong to teach something that is unsubstantiated. I expect some parents to show up at a school board meeting on this one. (Unless you live in a liberal school district.)
This is why teacher accountability needs to be brought out to the public. They have a teaching curriculum in Florida and they need to keep their noses out of Hollywood pop culture.
2007-02-19 08:00:32 · answer #10 · answered by Lynn G 4 · 3⤊ 7⤋