Dear SBOE members:
The purpose of education is the transmission of academic knowledge and skills to students rather than to make radical changes in their attitudes values and worldview. The educational system and books should create the view of history that is based upon our great States and Nations founding principles.
The Western heritage model of history along with its leadership role in science medicine economics agriculture the arts technology and government should be stressed. I feel also that American Exceptionalism should be the focus.
The United States occupies a special niche among nations.
We need factual unbiased balanced social studies standards that include events and individuals that are both significant and represent traditional American Judeo-Christian values. In order to help achieve this you need to produce standards that teach our youth to be proud Americans and that America is a great country that has a positive history.
SBOE member Pat Hardy is correctly an advocate for minority content in the standards. When quoted in the Houston Chronicle on August 17 2009 Ms. Hardy stated
You cannot distort Texas history. You cannot give an elevated place in history when their place was not elevated."
While many ethnic groups and individuals have contributed to Americas success their relative contributions and inclusion in the standards must be evaluated according to a uniform already well-established and objective set of standards. Please dont allow teaching of facts of great importance to be omitted from the teaching standards textbooks and classrooms of Texas and America. The next generation needs to know the truth of our history. Sincerely Texas Citizen Suggested Reader Actions: The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) is currently reviewing proposed standards for social studies. At their meeting on January 13-15 2010 they will be making changes to the proposals. What can parents & citizens do? A January-June 2009 Gallup poll revealed that 43 of Texans are conservative only 16 claim to be liberal. So anyone who joins this effort is solidly in the majority in spite of the constant rants from the left.- First find out who your legislator senator and especially who your (SBOE) representative is.
Tell your SBOE rep and other representatives that the purpose of education is the transmission of academic knowledge and skills to the next generation rather than to make radical changes in the attitudes values and worldview of students.- Tell your SBOE rep and other representatives that you want a view of history that is based upon our founding principles.
- Tell your SBOE rep and other representatives that you want a positive view of history including our leadership role in science medicine economics agriculture the arts technology religion and government.
- Tell your SBOE rep and other representatives that you want a focus on American exceptionalism that is the United States occupies a special niche among nations. Tell your SBOE rep and other representatives that you want factual unbiased balanced social studies standards that include events and individuals that are both significant and represent traditional American Judeo-Christian values.
- Tell your SBOE rep and other representatives that you want standards that teach our youth to be proud Americans and that America is a great country that has an overall positive history.
- Tell your SBOE rep and other representatives that while many ethnic groups and individuals have contributed to Americas success their relative contributions and inclusion in the standards must be evaluated according to a uniform set of qualifications.
- Finally during its meeting on January 13-15 2010 the SBOE will be taking public testimony. Anyone can sign up to make a three-minute presentation.
