Original dated: May 26, 2010
Gentlemen:
Recently, the Herald published an article revealing the Texas State Board of Education adopted a social studies and history curriculum which amends or waters down hundreds of items which will appear in printed material for use by Texas high school students. Apparently, these new standards were adopted by a 9-5 vote along "party" lines - Republicans vs Democrats. Moreover, guidelines adopted by Texas often affect materials used by other states.
In California, local jurisdictions lost control of subject matter years ago when the State decided to consolidate the school system. One of the criticisms, at that time, was the vulnerability of text book material to political influence and a "slanted" treatment of historical events. Is this is the beginning of the so-called "Ministry of Truth" appearing in George Orwell's classic novel "1984"? Winston Smith, you might recall, is caught up in Big Brother's efforts to change history and control the masses!
"Borrowing" of
school funds by the State of California has resulted in unsatisfactory and
unreliable fiscal management; but when considering the potential for State-wide
political manipulation of teaching materials, it is time to return control of
education to local school boards!