Please visit our 
Breaking NewsState School Superintendent Tom Horne has raised questions about a White House effort to have students watch President Obama’s back-to-school speech next week and use a curriculum that asks, among other things, “How will he inspire us?” The curriculum also suggests students have “notable quotes excerpted (and posted in large print on the board).” The speech, scheduled to be beamed to classrooms on Tuesday, has stirred parents, politicians and educators across the country. “An important part of educating students is to teach them to read and listen critically,” Horne said. “The White House materials call for a worshipful, rather than critical approach to this speech.” “There is nothing in these White House materials about approaching the speech critically, or engaging in any critical thinking whatsoever, but only adopting a reverent approach to everything they are being told,” he said in a press release. Horne said students “should be taught to read and think critically about statements coming from politicians and historical figures.” (See curriculum below.) School districts across the nation are struggling with how to handle the speech in the face of complaints from parents. Albuquerque Public Schools officials say parents can opt their children out of watching the speech. The remarks will be broadcast to the nation’s schoolchildren on C-SPAN and through the White House Web site. Education Secretary Arne Duncan says Obama will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals and take responsibility for their learning. Albuquerque schools superintendent Winston Brooks called it “a politically fired issue” during a school board meeting Wednesday. He says his office has received telephone calls and e-mails from some concerned parents. Florida’s Republican Party chairman is objecting to the address, saying Obama’s real motive is to indoctrinate students with his “socialist ideology.” Florida GOP Chairman Jim Greer issued a press release Tuesday slamming the plan. The release quotes Greer saying he is “absolutely appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama’s socialist ideology” and “liberal propaganda.” White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said Obama has no plans to give a policy speech to school children. Below is the White House-provided curriculum: Grades 7-12 Menu of Classroom Activities: President Obama’s Address to Students Across America Produced by Teaching Ambassador Fellows, U.S. Department of Education September 8, 2009 Before the Speech: During the Speech: Transition/Quick Review: Teachers could ask students to look over the notes and collaborate in pairs or small groups. What more could we add to our notes? Teachers might circulate and ask students questions such as: What are the most important words in the speech? What title would you give it? What’s the thesis? After the Speech: Guided Discussion: Video Project: Transition: Teachers could introduce goal setting in the following way to make the most of the extension activities. “When you set a goal, you envision a target you are going to reach over time. Goals are best when they are Challenging, Attainable, and Needed (CAN). For example, a good goal might be “I want to boost my average grade by one letter grade this year so I can show colleges I’m prepared.” But, every good goal also needs steps that guide the way. These steps keep you on track toward achieving your goal. For example, my first step might be, to improve by a letter grade in all subjects for each report card. My second step: to complete 100% of my homework for all my classes the first week of school. My third step: to study an extra hour for all my tests each marking period. My fourth step: to attend tutoring or get an adult to help me whenever I don’t understand something. My last step might be the most important: to ask an adult in my life to check on me often, to make sure I’m reaching each of my steps. Your steps should add up to your goal. If they don’t, that’s okay; we fix them until they do add up! Let’s hear another example of an academic goal for the year, and decide what steps would achieve that goal… Now I want you to write your own personal academic goal for this year and steps you will take to achieve it. We can revise our steps each marking period to make sure we are on track.” Extension of the Speech: Teachers can extend learning by having students PreK-6 Menu of Classroom Activities: President Obama’s Address to Students Across America Produced by Teaching Ambassador Fellows, U.S. Department of Education September 8, 2009 Before the Speech: Who is the President of the United States? What do you think it takes to be President? To whom do you think the President is going to be speaking? Why do you think he wants to speak to you? What do you think he will say to you? During the Speech: What is the President trying to tell me? What is the President asking me to do? What new ideas and actions is the President challenging me to think about? After the Speech: What do you think the President wants us to do? Does the speech make you want to do anything? Are we able to do what President Obama is asking of us? What would you like to tell the President? Extension of the Speech: Teachers can extend learning by having students
Article RatingReader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of gvnews.com. B.N. Kate wrote on Sep 3, 2009 3:50 PM: " Will America wake up now? This is the Bill Ayers model for education. It is the Obama administration's effort to control every aspect of your life - the economy, the environment, healthcare and now education translated - lives and futures of our children, grandchildren and this country. All the warning signs were there before. They were ignored by the electorate. Make all the excuses you want such as sour grapes about the election. That is heard all the time. Bottom line is "1984" is here. This is propaganda pur and simple. Most curricula do not give this much time to Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln. Sure there will be many people thrilled about this. Good luck comrades. Continue to support Chairman Obama. or is it as Tony wrote Fuehrer Obama. I'm confused Tony, but either way this country is shafted. " BA wrote on Sep 3, 2009 3:54 PM: " Tony, you are one scary dude! Personally I want my children to set goals and think about the future as one of possibilities. " Lucy Mancini wrote on Sep 3, 2009 4:05 PM: " I worked for 25 years for a state department of education. I helped at times to give away your tax money in state and Federal programs much of which was wasted because of little or no accountability and resistance by teachers' unions to accountability. I say this as an insider because prior to working for the state, I was a union president and negotiator. There were times I resisted as a state employee to the waste of tax money. When I had to sign off for a school district to receive millions in Federal Funds, I sometimes refused because the district had not met the requirements. I would be told that I had to sign. I would tell my boss that she was the boss and could always sign on her own without me. She always did because it was all politics. In any event, I have witnessed many outrageous programs foisted on us by a Federal Dept of Education, but this Obama Program as it is constituted is beyond the pale. God I am glad to be out of education. It is worthy of the old Soviet Union and the Hitler Youth rallies. The term is indoctrination. I would have no problem with a message from the President telling kids to work hard, listen to your parents and teachers, be kind to each other and the like. This goes way beyond and Americans need to open their mouths and say this cannot stand. Control education and a few other thing like the economy and you are well on your way to totalitarianism. " Donna Chang wrote on Sep 3, 2009 5:37 PM: " Hey! Scarey dude Tony. I want my grandchildren to set goals as well, but I do not need thw White House directing them. The WH is scarier than you Tony. My grandchildren will not be sent to school. I guess my daughter is a bad parent. The people who think that this is all Ok. They are really. scary. " Caro J wrote on Sep 3, 2009 6:21 PM: " Seriously? SERIOUSLY? You would sensor your child from listening to a speech from the President? Are you going to opt out of them having to learn Washington's inaugural address or Lincoln's Gettysburg address? Go on and question what he says, debate, encourage your children to question and challenge what his speech says - that's democracy. But to outright ban your children from listening to the leader of our nation??? That seems irresponsible as a citizen, which is something we should be teaching our children how to become. " Dennis Skelton wrote on Sep 3, 2009 6:48 PM: " Today I heard an Obama ad played on one of the talk programs of school kids "making the pledge". "I pledge to support President Obama's programs I pledge to sell my obnoxious gas guzzler I pledge to etc, etc." The timing of this ad in relation to this "chat" with school kids is chilling. Last night I watched the movie Valkyrie. The opening included the Hitler Youth pledge to Hitler and his programs. Chilling " jim wrote on Sep 4, 2009 4:03 AM: " How dare he talk to school children about what he thinks is right. Only the parents have that resposibility. Just another attempt of this fool trying to run every part of our lives. " Amazed wrote on Sep 4, 2009 10:27 AM: " I don't even recognize an America where people are so selfish that they don't want to share "their govt. medicare" or have the President make a speech to school kids. When Geo.Bush Senior did, we talked about it at the dinner table -We didn't show our kids how to be radicals like you are doing. You must be very frightened to behave so wildly. Maybe you should be talking about putting a fence up around Green Valley instead of at the border? I'd sell my GV home in a minute and get away from you if that guy you all worshiped hadn't ruined the economy with his deregulation and his billion a week Iraqi war that he said would cost 1.7 billion TOTAL! so now my house is not worth selling. You loved it when he talked to school kids didnt you? " Suzy M wrote on Sep 4, 2009 12:13 PM: " The kids are going to hear a LOT of opinions throughout their life that will be in opposition to the parents. Are the parents going to show up at school and monitor everything now? If not, why so much hype on this subject? Political nonsense, of course! Even the school history books are full of opinion- not always facts- and parents will not be able shield their children from absorbing it. The best teachers are the ones who allow their children to hear many different opinions/facts, and then discuss it.The best parents continue the discussion at home. Discussion Anyone? The political argument in this issue is, as usual, a bunch of nonsense with little basis or analyzing...Bush made the very SAME kind of speech to kids a few years ago with the Dems pitching a fit about it. We have lost our ability to debate in this country...now many people like to scream and tear down. Does it occur to Republicans that Dems love this country as much as they do and vise versa? Does it occur to you to look at the opinion of your opponent? If I were a teaching, I would try to understand the position of the student, and them assign him the job of arguing the other side...it's a good way to have a full, broad understanding of the issues that is not just based on a one-sided opinion. People seem to forget that we are all patriots of this country..we all want what is best for America. " Lucy Mancini wrote on Sep 4, 2009 2:09 PM: " Hey Caro J don't be so sure they teach Washington's Inaugural Address. Many new textbooks point out that we have been a bad country. When did you last look at a curriculum. Try the history curriculum in Tucson. " Carlo Rizzi wrote on Sep 4, 2009 2:17 PM: " Suzy M is naive. We are all patriots? We all want what's best for America? Because she says the the argument in this issue is nonsense does not make it so. The best history books Suzy do not revise history to be politically correct. It is not about the speech as somebody else pointed out but Suzy ignored. It is about the follow up and intrusion by an unconstitutionally established Department of Education. Obama said he "wants to "fundamentally transform the United States of America". You only have to listen to his words and those of self avowed communists with whom he surrounds himself. Lucy above saw this from the inside. I did in another state and it is not pretty. " Dennis Skelton wrote on Sep 4, 2009 3:22 PM: " If I had my druthers all would have been quiet until Wednesday morning when I read that President Obama gave a very nice talk to millions of school kids across the country. About 9:30 the event would have been forgotten except, hopefully, by the school kids. " BA wrote on Sep 4, 2009 4:08 PM: " Just read the update. The Fright Wing has prevented local kids from hearing the President. How sad. How terribly sad!!! " George wrote on Sep 4, 2009 5:02 PM: " It's sad to read how the wing nuts are frightening and confusing so many people, including parents. Friends, read, listen for yourselves. I challenge anyone to listen to the speech itself, the speech and not not talk radio gloss of it, and come up with a list of seditious ideas. I want my child to see the speech but support local boards in making decisions for our schools. They do important work with small reward and are responsive to local concerns. When they make a wrong decision by my lights, I still thank them. " jake the snake wrote on Sep 4, 2009 5:10 PM: " this is the most moronic attitude the right wing repukeslican party has taken on yet.it is all about defeating obama and not one thing else.they wouldnt vote for anything obama will try to pass.this, is all aboyt 2012 elections. you people that support this mentally unbalanced party are a bunch of sick unpatriotic americans. " jake wrote on Sep 4, 2009 5:21 PM: " these comment should be monitored by party affiliation and racial profile. to find out who really is speaking for the children of this country. " Upis Down wrote on Sep 4, 2009 5:30 PM: " Encouragement by the President of the United States to learn and study is going to ruin our children but being brainwashed by Fox News is all right? " BS wrote on Sep 4, 2009 7:35 PM: " I am certain that by not allowing the children to even listen to this speech, is nothing more than political. Our school officials ( yes, you Continental) are not thinking about any else but their political views and opinions. It sickens me. " BS wrote on Sep 4, 2009 7:45 PM: " Amazed, You are absolutely correct. Let's not forget where "W" was when the first plane hit the first tower...... I believe he was reading a book to school children, was he not. We have only that administration to blame for all. " scv wrote on Sep 4, 2009 9:48 PM: " The President speaking to school children in and of itself is not the problem. It's the curriculum that comes with it and It's everything else combined with it - how he wants to "fundamentally change the United States", it's the radical views of his minister of 25 years, it's the Emmanuel brothers, It's the radical and racist views of his "green jobs" czar, it's the language in his healthcare bill, it's the Chicago politics, and the list goes on and on. Everytime one of these issues comes up it creates doubt, fear and anger in the American people. all parties, socio-economic classes and races. And PLEASE, the color of his skin has nothing to do with this. He was black when he was voted into office. As Americans we need to remember this is our country and elected officials work for us - that includes the President. If this country is going to pull out of this nose-dive, Americans at all levels are going to have to unite and decide in which direction this country needs to go. " J wrote on Sep 4, 2009 10:30 PM: " Parenting means to raise your children to be independent. The best way to do this is to talk through things, making sure your values are clear to your children. This will allow them to experience the world around them and decide which parts they agree with and disagree with based on the values that are constantly being instilled by the parents. Sheltering children only creates ignorant adults. Parents cannot shelter forever, so why not begin to foster independent thinking while their minds are fresh. Whether we agree or disagree with what is said in this speech, let's use it as a tool. Let it open the door to a wonderfully in depth conversation about our feelings over dinner that evening. " Charley wrote on Sep 5, 2009 4:50 AM: " I wonder what the reaction would be if a President McCain were to do the same thing. " Sandy wrote on Sep 5, 2009 5:32 AM: " I have two children in the Continental school and want them to hear the speech live.... as it stands now I will have to keep them home to do so. Why doesn't the school listen to all the parents and not just a few. " Donnie Paduana wrote on Sep 5, 2009 9:56 AM: " BS blames Bush for 9/11 and obviously never read the 9/11 Commission Report or anything else and knew nothing or ignores what happened during the Clinton Administration. But here is a story about a Presidential speech which BS turns into something totally different. Anybody who wants their kids to watch can sit down with them and watch together on C Span. The followup is the real problem and having a Federal Dept of Ed writing out teachers' lessons for them. Are their quotes around the room from the speeches of all our Presidents for kids to read and analyze? So SCV you are exacyly right. I guarantee you SCV that what you wrote will be totally ignored or attacked as fear mongering, hate, racism, you name it. They will never address that many are concerned because Obama has surrounded himself with thugs, criminals and sel avowed communists. This Van Jones guy I believe was involved in the Rodney King riots where 50 people died. The vetting process did not fail. These people were chosen because they are interchangeable with the Prsident and his beliefs. Jake the Snake's little diatribe of hate is typical and they say we are sick. A barf bag would be helpful in reading his stuff. Again, most of these folks ignore the point. It is not the speech, but the attitude and philosophy of the followups. Because of the outrage, the question about how I can help Barack Obama has been removed, but the fact that it was there at all reflects the Messianic complex of Obama and his followers. It was like asking, how can I serve the Lord? Just as the left believes we want to oppose everything the President does there are those of us who believe that they will follow the President like lemmings in the Pied Piper, right over the cliff to break apart the fabric of this nation. If this is fear mongering, so be it. The fact that not enough people are afraid is scary. The fact that so many are OK with somebody who says he wants to fundamentally change this country and surrounds himself with people who claim that whites are deliberately poisoning Blacks and 9/11 was a conspiracy - that is scary and if "you ain't scared, you ain't right". This President sat in a hateful anti-American racist church for 20 years and people are Ok with that believing he did not know what was going on. You try pulling that one. He only left when he was caught. He belonged to the racist Congressional Black Caucus. Can you inagine if there was a Congressional White Caucus, the outrage from some of the people writing above? What happened to we are all Americans and the post racial politics we were promised? Notice how they always get back to Fox News. Do you ever hear any of them condemn the vitriol of Keth Olberfuehrer on MSNBC? Never. What is the criticism when some of the people on Fox News use the words of people like Van Jones or Obama. By their own words ye shall know them. Because their own words reflect badly, the left does not want you to hear them. Too bad. They said those words and now kive with it, but know they look for excuse. "Taken out of conext". "He didn't mean it'. "That was a long time OK". It is easier to blame Fox News than to think objectively and critically. Some of the bloggers above are simply pathetic and know nothing. Their reactions are Democratic knee jerk politics. Oh, I'm sorry you are just such good people. Look at your kids history books and the lies told about this country if you really want to educate them. Sahuarita, you did the right thing. I feel for you if you can't get over Bush.. Get a life. " Upis Down wrote on Sep 5, 2009 10:14 AM: " svc Where do you hear the things you mention that upset you so much? It might be time to change the channel. " Retired Teacher wrote on Sep 5, 2009 1:08 PM: " As a retired teacher, I am appalled and saddened by the irrational hysteria over a speech intended to inspire students to strive to further their educations. Frankly, I am also frightened to see so many Americans' logic being overridden by emotion. Weren't we all taught to reason, to think critically, and to base our opinions on facts? Today, a 'mob mentality' is steering our decisions. Surely, we are better than this. " Lee wrote on Sep 5, 2009 5:07 PM: " Do not touch your intelligence button, you will be guided down the path of intellectual numbness. It is sad when we can not even provided nor display encouragment to our children, even comeing from our prersident. What is next for you farrrrrr right whiners, tell the children don't listen to your teachers? Az does one of the worst jobs educating its children (fact not fiction). Any positive encouragement is welcomed. The contect of his speech will surprise the herds of mindless sheep out there. Oh I forgot the Savage- Fox-Rush-T. Horn Chicken Littles are doing your thinking for you. Research, Read, THINK Lateraly instread on Linearly. I am discusted by both parties. " scv wrote on Sep 7, 2009 10:37 AM: " Lee, our schools send positive messages all the time - I should know, I have children in the system - do you? Upisdown - I read the papers, and watch all the channels to get my information. I'm not scared or upset. I'm realistic and aware. There is an obvious pattern forming with our government - it' apparent on all channels and all sources. I think it's a negative pattern. If you think everything is hunky-dorey - good for you! Sandy - it's a free country - keep your kids out of school and watch the speech - no biggie. Donnie - thanks for your support! " B. Fazio wrote on Sep 7, 2009 3:28 PM: " I agree with Lee about education in AZ. Just read what he wrote . Well, maybe he went to school in one of those other states. Talk about mindless! " Barb wrote on Sep 7, 2009 6:22 PM: " I have just moved to GV and am so very saddened by the hatred I see in these emails about the President's talk. which is soley intended to motivate school children. As a former teacher, I can't thank him enough for caring about how our children view their futures. Education is the key to that future and for the president of the United States and our first minority president at that to try and assist children to value education should only be applauded. I am baffled by the vehemence that I see in a number of the emails and feel pity for people who only seem to harbor hatred and suspicion. I'm glad that I didn't raise my own children in such a negative environment. " scv wrote on Sep 8, 2009 9:55 AM: " Just watched and listened to President Obama's speech to school children. Not a thing wrong with it. Nothing in it I haven't said to my own children. It was a very positive and inspiring speech. Regarding this speech - I was concerned for nothing. I think the "right" overreacted a bit. I think the "left" did to. Also Arne, Secretary of Ed., maybe should have presented the written form of speech along with the recommended cirriculum. Because, once you see both you realize there is no indoctrination or any cause for concern whatsoever. This particular speech was soley intended to motivate and inspire our school children. " Submit a Comment |
Today's Weather
Green Valley, AZ
sponsored by:  Top Menus |
Comment
Rate
|
|
 |
|
Copyright © 2010 Green Valley News and Sun - All right Reserved
About Us / Subscriptions / Contact Us / Advertise with us / User Agreement / HUD rules / Make us your home page
About Us / Subscriptions / Contact Us / Advertise with us / User Agreement / HUD rules / Make us your home page
Tony wrote on Sep 3, 2009 12:21 PM:
Home school your kids or risk losing them to the fascist police state, mentally/physically. Politicians lie, history doesn't. Don't be mistaken though, this didn't just crop up overnight, daddy Bush, Bush Jr. Clinton all did their parts and continue to do so. Obama is just accepting the hand-off and running it in for the touchdown. "