Critically Thinking About Our Education System - Postscript

What should citizens do about this disastrous situation?

Feb 06, 2023

If you have carefully read through this four-part critique of the US K-12 Science education situation, hopefully your response is: “What can I do about this profoundly important problem?” Some recommendations are:

1 - Get Educated. The more knowledgeable you are, the better armed you are to appreciate and counter the misinformation you will be given by those defending the system. They are not expecting you to be competent “in their field,” so the more information you have, the more success you’ll have. It’s important that you not peruse, but carefully study all of these analyses: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter… The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great conflict.” — Martin Luther King

2 - Get Others Involved. There is strength in numbers. Share this four part commentary with other like-minded parents, teachers, scientists, citizens, etc. Set up an email list, have meetings, get organized. United we stand, divided we fall.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Meade.

3 - Reach out to Sympathetic Organizations. Even though (so far) no conservative organization has taken the lead in fixing the K-12 Science standards, there are some that would be good candidates to do so. They need to hear from citizens that this is important to you. Financially support organizations that are responsive on this issue.

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” — Winston Churchill

4 - Stay Focused. When dealing with the multiple problems with our education system, it’s easy to get off track. The number one objective is to get schools to publicly commit to teaching Critical Thinking as Job One. The second objective is to make sure that Critical Thinking is actually being taught in K-12 Science classes.

“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought to a focus.” — Alexander Graham Bell

5 - Assess Your Local School District. Ask some local Science teachers: “Is the Scientific Method being taught?” [If no, then ask why not and listen carefully.]

Also ask some local Science teachers: “Are you emphasizing Critical Thinking?” [They are likely to say “Yes,” so follow up with: “So on important matters like climate change you are thoroughly and objectively discussing both sides of that issue? And on things like CO2 you are thoroughly and objectively discussing both the benefits and liabilities? And on things like fossil fuels you are thoroughly and objectively discussing all the pros and the cons?]

Listen carefully to their answers and you will see whether or not they are actually teaching Critical Thinking, or only giving it lip service.

“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.” — Billy Graham

6 - If Your Child is in a Problematic School District. Check into a Catholic or private school, as their curriculum might be better. Don’t just assume that though: ask their teachers the same questions. If that isn’t a solution, then home schooling would be another alternative to consider. That is not an easy option, so careful thought needs to be given to all of its ramifications.

“Energy and persistence conquer all things.” — Benjamin Franklin

7 - Look into Your State’s K-12 Science Standards. Your state’s Board of Education can be more more politically than educationally oriented. They rarely hear from citizens, so a group of informed citizens approaching them would get their attention. Part 2 and Part 3 outline six major issues found in many state K-12 Science Standards. Find out how many exist in your state, and politely (but firmly) object to any that do.

If your state Board of Education does not give you a definite commitment to fix any identified problems, then they are likely testing your resolve. You need to up the ante by writing pointed op-eds, getting more citizens educated, aligning yourself with sympathetic organizations, sue them, etc.

“It is hard to imagine a more dangerous way of making decisions than by putting them in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong.” — Thomas Sowell

8 - Speak to Your State Legislators. State Legislators have oversight of the Board of Education and your state’s education system. If your state Board of Education is not responsive, then sympathetic state legislators need to be personally met with, and a strong case made that they need to be stepping up.

“It is fascinating to watch legislators turn away from their usual corporate grips when they hear the growing thunder of the people.” — Ralph Nader

We desperately need parents, teachers, scientists, citizens, conservative organizations, and any remaining pro-American media to focus on what our children are being taught, particularly in the subject areas of Science and History. Without doing that quickly, the likelihood is remote that America will be as we know it when the next generation comes along. Forewarned is forearmed!

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