There is a difference between “toeing the line” and remaining neutral when discussing controversial issues and just downright ignoring them altogether. If you are a teacher and you didn’t discuss some component of yesterday’s health care debate in your class today then SHAME ON YOU! I would even take the passing: “Did everyone know that yesterday the government was actively using the democratic process? Let’s define democracy just so that we understand how important it is to our country.”
My point is that education can not duck issues. Kids come to school to be educated in all capacities. Not talking about a controversial issue is reprehensible. That being said, I understand how it can make some teachers uneasy especially when they are passionate about the topic. I also believe that it is important to remain neutral in front of students and allow them to form their own position on issues. That’s why I advocate doing something really crazy like staying to the facts of the discussion, showing a YouTube video that highlights newscasts of multiple views, and providing students with time to research both sides.
We can not duck issues simply because of convenience or fear. If we want to stress the advancement of democracy and personal liberty then we must be willing to educate students on all sides. Being silent of our own opinion in front of kids is important, but being silent as to not even discuss the topic and leave kids in the dark is immoral.
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Thank you for posting this, I completely agree. If the purpose of school is to prepare students to be creative contributors to our democratic society, school must be a microcosm of what that society could/should be. That can not be obtained if teachers neglect/are afraid to discuss important topical issues.
Matthew,
Thanks so much for your comment! It just really frustrates me when we are so worried about being politically correct that we ignore controversial issues altogether. I do believe that no teacher should bestow beliefs upon the students, but I also think we need to push a little harder at getting them cognizant of the world around them and the turmoil that exists.
Thanks again!
Aaron,
How many angry parents would call if we did this? I just remember back to President Obama’s speech at the beginning of the school year and all of the chatter. I think that it is a shame that we do not immerse our students in open and honest discussions on these topics. They will have to make decisions on voting for elected officials sometime in the future. Wouldn’t it be nice if they had a chance to discuss some of the major issues ahead of time.
It is discouraging that so many are so closed-minded or afraid of delving into these areas. As I watched the debate last night, I could not help but wonder what a debate about education would look like. What would people say? In fact, I think that debate should precede all others.
Pat,
I agree with you about the angry parents calling. My district has set up a policy that articulates the need to discuss sensitive issues in classes provided the teacher remains non-partisan and supplies materials that show both sides of the issue. Even still, I usually get a parent or two asking questions. I’ve never got into any type of threatening situation, I think, because I always stress to my kids that their opinion is their own and I will never tell them what I think about any issue.
I’m very worried about our youth and the way that we duck important issues. I was lucky enough to grow up with a parent who gave me a lot of information and discussed all sides of issues while allowing me to form my own opinion. Trust me: sometimes I think she regrets that now (laughing). I just want us to be cognizant of the fact that we are creating a generation of kids who are ill-informed. They don’t understand major issues and they come to school for understanding. If we don’t provide them with it, then there is no guarantee anyone ever will.
I think people are close-minded by nature. They see what they want and hear what they want. I also remember the Obama speech. Truthfully, I have my own beliefs as to why some people didn’t want the speech shown. Our country has a serious issue. We’re terrible at seeing an opposing viewpoint and it only further expands the distance between social class, race, religion, and creed. Considering we are becoming such an “interconnected world”, I think it is such a shame that we are becoming so polar in our beliefs. As a Social Studies teacher, it concerns me that students are growing up with a false misconception that the reason Math, Science, and English are tested is because “they matter”.
I know this wanders all over the place, but it all culminates back to a great concern of mine. How do we educate kids to form their own opinion and act as positive contributors to democracy without touching sensitive issues?
Wow – Can we put that question on the list for #edchat? We need to discuss it somewhere. Or should we just add the parents’ political affiliation on the registration forms and make sure that we never allow the students to think openly about issues. I thought our traditional model of education promoted indoctrination, but I guess it really starts at home.
I deal with this facet all the time in science in the realm of religion vs. science. I definitely hold views that make both sides of the debate mad, but I refrain from sharing them in class. Students bring it up all the time. With all the recent geologic activity and 2012 on the horizon, it’s amazing how many times I’ve addressed that issue. Of course, they all know I was once an ordained pastor, so I guess that opens me up to those questions.
All this to say, I refrain from giving my answer. I tell what the accepted scientific view might be then advise them to discuss faith issues with their parents and faith community leaders. I do allow them to discuss among themselves while I act as moderator. I must admit though, I’d feel more freedom if it was another content area besides science.