Post by orangeblossom on Aug 20, 2014 17:43:31 GMT -5
The whole list of words you can't say, seems a bit much. I don't mind that a list exists, but I'm kind of perplexed at some of the words. I guess it's a matter of context, like you don't want them saying "I hate this stuff" or "This is dumb". Interesting.
Post by ChillyMcFreeze on Aug 20, 2014 17:46:17 GMT -5
A lot of this story was "the student feels..." So I'm going to need more details before I crucify (heh heh) this teacher. I can absolutely see students being immature with the bless yous and the teacher sarcastically saying "save your blessings for church" or something to quiet them down. And since the pastor says they just talked about "defending your beliefs", it's completely plausible that this kid was in a lather just waiting for someone to challenge her beliefs since her church tells her that's commonplace. But I make it a policy not to give teenagers the benefit of the doubt, so take my opinion for what it's worth.
Just thought of this - what if the "bless you" was meant for it's use in the Southern way? Given the list of other things on the banned list, it doesn't seem a huge stretch.
And I also agree that it sounds like the student was spoiling for a confrontation.
Maybe I'm just used to teachers who would do something like this - I had one who banned the use of the word bored. If you used it, the punishment was more homework for the whole class. It was an interesting way to take certain intellectually lazy words out of a kid's vocabulary.
A lot of this story was "the student feels..." So I'm going to need more details before I crucify (heh heh) this teacher. I can absolutely see students being immature with the bless yous and the teacher sarcastically saying "save your blessings for church" or something to quiet them down. And since the pastor says they just talked about "defending your beliefs", it's completely plausible that this kid was in a lather just waiting for someone to challenge her beliefs since her church tells her that's commonplace. But I make it a policy not to give teenagers the benefit of the doubt, so take my opinion for what it's worth.
I totally agree. Teenagers love to stir stuff up. I worked at a HS for at risk youth and I told a student "You are not going to graduate if you continue at the pace you are working." He went home and told his mom I said "You are NEVER going to graduate." She called my supervisor instead of talking to me first, my supervisor happened to be at the meeting I had with the student so he was able to calm her down.
Just thought of this - what if the "bless you" was meant for it's use in the Southern way? Given the list of other things on the banned list, it doesn't seem a huge stretch.
And I also agree that it sounds like the student was spoiling for a confrontation.
Maybe I'm just used to teachers who would do something like this - I had one who banned the use of the word bored. If you used it, the punishment was more homework for the whole class. It was an interesting way to take certain intellectually lazy words out of a kid's vocabulary.
Yep. I knew one 6th grade language arts teacher who banned the word "nice" in writing, among other common words. Throughout the year, they created a vocabulary wall so students could check it for more complex words. They didn't get in trouble for using it, but they were required to edit their work if they used it.
I'd just like to hear examples of how the teacher was previously "demeaning" to their faith, because I know so many people at church and on my FB feed who believe anything other than unequivocal support=suppression and criticism of their faith.
The whole list of words you can't say, seems a bit much. I don't mind that a list exists, but I'm kind of perplexed at some of the words. I guess it's a matter of context, like you don't want them saying "I hate this stuff" or "This is dumb". Interesting.
The list makes me totally Team Student. That list is obnoxious. That sounds like a woman who really hates teenagers. And probably people.
I always think of this as a CA saying so it doesn't surprise me you say it. But I must know, do you say Hella or Hell of (or which one did you say back in the day)? And do you say 5 or THE 5 when referring to the freeway? These were serious points of discussion back in my dorm days.
sent by phone
I use hell & hella. I also switch back & forth from 5 and the 5. I think it's from growing up in the middle.
ETA but I'm totally getting a shirt that says "i hella love Oakland" for A's games.
Post by RoxMonster on Aug 20, 2014 20:51:23 GMT -5
As a HS teacher, I could see kids getting out of hand or ridiculous yelling "bless you" repeatedly if someone sneezed, but they could get carried away and do that with pretty much ANY saying. I think it's fine to give a consequence for being disruptive during class by yelling something out, but banning the actual phrase seems silly.
Most likely, the student probably got lippy with the teacher when told to not be disruptive or whatever and that is what put her in ISS for that period. The religion excuse was dumb, but the student shouldn't have mouthed off (if she did--I'm just making an assumption at this point).
People say bless you without thinking though. So it's a really stupid thing to ban. Who the fuck would remember?
I'm interested to know whose story is accurate. She says she said it to the person next to her. Understandable to say it without thinking. School personnel say she yelled it across the room, being disruptive.
Oh I wasn't even commenting on how the kid might have said it. Only that it was a dumb ass fucking rule that was bound to be broken. And when you hand teenagers dumb shit rules, don't be shocked when they are sarcastic about it.
The timing on this is too funny for me. We started school this week and many of my (HS junior) students were talking about their math teacher banning this for the year. The mere fact that they keep talking about it, and how ridiculous it is, proves (to me at least) that it is a waste of time to address it.
The only word I don't like in my class is "bae" just because I find it annoying as shit.
Post by irishbride2 on Aug 21, 2014 5:20:30 GMT -5
Since when does kicking someone out of class count as a suspension? That is not a suspension. It is just a "you need to take a break and we will start fresh tomorrow after we've had a conversation."
Post by irishbride2 on Aug 21, 2014 5:21:55 GMT -5
I will say that taken as is, this story is ridiculous. So I'm not team teacher.
But I will also admit there are phrases I have banned that seem harmless. Its generally in March or April when students start repeated certain phrases over and over and over to be obnoxious and I am over it. Last year, it was "Ball is life."
Wait, did you go to Cal Poly and how did I forget this?
Yes, for grad school 2007 - 2009. I was bored to tears with the area, since I was trailing spouse while Mr.Kirkette was getting his MA. I do seriously miss running in Poly Canyon, and from our apartment off Johnson Ave to Edna Valley.
Aaaaahhh that makes me miss all that wide open space! It is a pretty boring town though, every time we go back we're like soooooooo (after we eat all the things). We met there in 2000 and left 10 years ago last month.
Considering the source on this is Todd Starnes who is known for flat-out making up stories of "religious persecution" in schools, I'm thinking the incident is being blown way out of proportion.