Your Child's Education and Your Parental Decisions

[ECB]

So far, no.

[hopecounts]

So far no, but I don't know what science looks like later on.
I'm a Christian but would have an issue with creationism being taught.
Sorry not science IMO and doesn't belong in school, I'll teach my kid that at home and Church.

[FloFTW]

We just started kindergarten 4 days ago, and so far, no.

I was, however, surprised that they say the pledge. We haven't really talked about religion much yet in the context of what a god is (we have just talked about beliefs about how to treat others, what happens when you die, etc), so when they said the pledge on the first day I was like "oh, I guess I should explain god soon." I totally forgot that schools do that.

[StrawberryBlondie]

I would have a problem with creationism or abstinence only education.

I'd also have an issue with the pledge.

But my kid's only 1 so this is all hypothetical.

[chedifuen]

So far, no. But, I do think they whitewash history lessons too much. We tend to use what they teach as a jumping off point for more in-depth discussions.

[sangria]

Abstinence only education can take a flying leap.

My oldest starts K next year so we'll see.

[cap]

So far, no, but most of the stuff I'd have a problem with (creationism, abstinence-only sex ed) isn't something that is generally taught in elementary school, so I haven't worried about it yet.

[sfy]

Not exactly. There have been things I think are stupid (spending nearly half a semester on state history, not teaching children how to write in cursive) and things that I do not think receive enough attention (AA history), but nothing that is in direct conflict with and/or infringes on my parenting decisions. This is only after rolling it around for a few minutes, however. I might be able to come up with something if I give it more thought, but there isn't anything I can think of offhand, nor do I ever remember having that feeling.

FWIW, I wouldn't have an issue with abstinence only education for my own child (I take issue with it being taught but not because of a personal conflict with my parenting), because either way, I would have been stressing condoms, condoms and more condoms, so I don't see that as infringing. If DS had opted to go with abstinence based on learning that, I would have been fine with that.

[sparrowsong]

*not a parent

But the only thing I can imagine is any religious doctrine. Definitely wouldn't enroll my young kids in any kind of religiously affiliated school. I would be ok with religious literature or comparative religion at high school age.

Probably wouldn't be thrilled with any Texas-style textbooks that edit history or science, but that wouldn't be a reason to homeschool, just a reason for additional reading or discussion at home.

[2curlydogs]

So far, no. But my kid's only in K4.

But we chose a secular private school. So...

[FloFTW]

Aug 27, 2015 13:52:44 GMT -5 @majorwife said:

Aug 27, 2015 13:47:46 GMT -5 FloFTW said:

We just started kindergarten 4 days ago, and so far, no.

I was, however, surprised that they say the pledge. We haven't really talked about religion much yet in the context of what a god is (we have just talked about beliefs about how to treat others, what happens when you die, etc), so when they said the pledge on the first day I was like "oh, I guess I should explain god soon." I totally forgot that schools do that.

that's the only one we have hit too. but i have introduced LB to various other cultural creation stories and so i just lump them all together and tell her she can believe what she wants about how and who created everything. 

Yeah, we've had all THOSE discussions...I just have to finally wrap it all up and be like "and some people believe that there's actually a being that CREATED everything and is all-powerful". LOL. He seems to get the cultural aspects and dying/heaven stuff...but we haven't touched on God yet. There are Muslims and Hindi in his class, so he knows about "religion"...just...not god. It sounds weird but it makes sense if you have no reason to bring it up.

We have to read A LOT. I should probably find a book.

[juliette21]

I was about to say no, but then PP brought up abstinence-only sex ed and creationism. Luckily I live in MA so I doubt this would be in the curriculum, but those would have to be the only subjects that I would be completely against.

I am very against the idea of homeschooling to control or protect what your child learns. I know the very religious do it to ensure their children do not hear opposing viewpoints and thus doubt their faith. But in all honesty, if you (the collective you) are so solid in your religious/moral beliefs and do your best to raise your child in that faith, then you shouldn't worry about what others are teaching them. It's almost insulting to your child to think they are that weak that they can't hear other perspectives without abandoning their family's values. Also, I will encourage my boys to have their own viewpoints, even if they are very different from mine. You know, because they are individuals. 

[sparkythelawyer]

Aug 27, 2015 13:51:40 GMT -5 sfy said:

Not exactly. There have been things I think are stupid (spending nearly half a semester on state history, not teaching children how to write in cursive) and things that I do not think receive enough attention (AA history), but nothing that is in direct conflict with and/or infringes on my parenting decisions. This is only after rolling it around for a few minutes, however. I might be able to come up with something if I give it more thought, but there isn't anything I can think of offhand, nor do I ever remember having that feeling.

FWIW, I wouldn't have an issue with abstinence only education for my own child (I take issue with it being taught but not because of a personal conflict with my parenting), because either way, I would have been stressing condoms, condoms and more condoms, so I don't see that as infringing. If DS had opted to go with abstinence based on learning that, I would have been fine with that.

Your comment actually made me go check to see if my kid's district teaches cursive.  It does. Phew!

[darthnbjenni]

Aug 27, 2015 13:49:26 GMT -5 chedifuen said:

So far, no. But, I do think they whitewash history lessons too much. We tend to use what they teach as a jumping off point for more in-depth discussions.

Yep. I teach 8th grade history (US/SC). My own children did a skit in K5 last year where the Native American women shushed and rocked babies any time they were mentioned, the colonial women pretended to faint, and pilgrims and natives were BFFs. So my children totally went back the next day talking about small pox and genocide. 

[eclaires]

Not yet, no. I don't like dumb shit like truancy rules and draconian attendance policies. Unless my kid is having issues, I think I am best able to determine when they miss school.

Maybe when we get to sex ed?

[hopecounts]

Aug 27, 2015 13:58:16 GMT -5 juliette21 said:

I was about to say no, but then PP brought up abstinence-only sex ed and creationism. Luckily I live in MA so I doubt this would be in the curriculum, but those would have to be the only subjects that I would be completely against.

I am very against the idea of homeschooling to control or protect what your child learns. I know the very religious do it to ensure their children do not hear opposing viewpoints and thus doubt their faith. But in all honesty, if you (the collective you) are so solid in your religious/moral beliefs and do your best to raise your child in that faith, then you shouldn't worry about what others are teaching them. It's almost insulting to your child to think they are that weak that they can't hear other perspectives without abandoning their family's values. Also, I will encourage my boys to have their own viewpoints, even if they are very different from mine. You know, because they are individuals. 

As a person of faith that's my take to. 
If I'm doing my job as a parent to teach my child what I believe then they will either feel the same and follow that faith OR they will decide differently. That's their choice and as long as I'm doing my part to teach them my faith then I'm OK with that.
If I have to shield them from life to have them believe then I'm doing it wrong.

[sfy]

Aug 27, 2015 13:59:03 GMT -5 sparkythelawyer said:

Aug 27, 2015 13:51:40 GMT -5 sfy said:

Not exactly. There have been things I think are stupid (spending nearly half a semester on state history, not teaching children how to write in cursive) and things that I do not think receive enough attention (AA history), but nothing that is in direct conflict with and/or infringes on my parenting decisions. This is only after rolling it around for a few minutes, however. I might be able to come up with something if I give it more thought, but there isn't anything I can think of offhand, nor do I ever remember having that feeling.

FWIW, I wouldn't have an issue with abstinence only education for my own child (I take issue with it being taught but not because of a personal conflict with my parenting), because either way, I would have been stressing condoms, condoms and more condoms, so I don't see that as infringing. If DS had opted to go with abstinence based on learning that, I would have been fine with that.

Your comment actually made me go check to see if my kid's district teaches cursive.  It does. Phew!

My child has the most awkward signature because he was never taught in school.  I made print outs and taught him the Palmer method at home, but I guess it's like a foreign language--you don't use it, you lose it.  I was talking to a woman at a party last week whose 3rd grader has to bring a laptop/tablet to school everyday who said that their school is no longer focusing on spelling.  They will correct it as it arises, but they're not teaching spelling as a matter of course, giving spelling tests, etc.  Both of these things make me feel a little like a dinosaur, but I just don't understand not knowing how to write or spell. 

[laurenpetro]

I'm bummed that G didn't have sex Ed in 4th grade.

[debatethis]

We're Episcopalian but considering Catholic schools for DS. He's only nearly 2 so we haven't run into issues yet but I suspect we will and it's my biggest hangup with even attempting Catholic schools. Logically I know it's one of our best options but I am still... very very hesitant.

[anastasia517]

No kids, but I am not concerned about the curriculum documents I have seen and studied.

The most controversial is probably sex ed because the curriculum was changed in the last year. It now has more stuff now on being safe with oral & anal sex, is more inclusive of various gender identities and sexual orientations, and the like so I'm good with that.

[derp]

Not teaching spelling? Thefuck ARE they teaching?

[flgirl]

We are atheist, secular home schoolers. I would say that I don't have a problem with what is taught in public schools but rather with what isn't taught. Teachers have set curriculum standards and really do teach so students will pass tests. I don't have that problem. A history lesson may involve sitting in the living room for several hours and discussing race relations over the last 200 years. No textbook in sight. My kids would score poorly on all standardized tests because we don't prepare for them. We are however preparing them to take the SAT and ACT because for home schoolers, those are what make or break your chances of getting into college.

[CrazyLucky]

DS is at day 2 of K, so not yet! But we live in rural NC, and I am scared about what the sex ed curriculum will look like.

[laurenpetro]

Aug 27, 2015 14:34:32 GMT -5 derp said:

Not teaching spelling? Thefuck ARE they teaching?

by me i feel like that ALL she gets.

[laurenpetro]

Aug 27, 2015 14:04:46 GMT -5 sfy said:

Aug 27, 2015 13:59:03 GMT -5 sparkythelawyer said:

Your comment actually made me go check to see if my kid's district teaches cursive.  It does. Phew!

My child has the most awkward signature because he was never taught in school.  I made print outs and taught him the Palmer method at home, but I guess it's like a foreign language--you don't use it, you lose it.  I was talking to a woman at a party last week whose 3rd grader has to bring a laptop/tablet to school everyday who said that their school is no longer focusing on spelling.  They will correct it as it arises, but they're not teaching spelling as a matter of course, giving spelling tests, etc.  Both of these things make me feel a little like a dinosaur, but I just don't understand not knowing how to write or spell. 

whatever you're lacking we're making up for.  i feel like we get spelling 24/7.

[derp]

Aug 27, 2015 14:41:05 GMT -5 laurenpetro said:

Aug 27, 2015 14:34:32 GMT -5 derp said:

Not teaching spelling? Thefuck ARE they teaching?

by me i feel like that ALL she gets.

Well that's not great, either. But I find that instance cited shocking and depressing.

[laurenpetro]

Aug 27, 2015 14:43:21 GMT -5 derp said:

Aug 27, 2015 14:41:05 GMT -5 laurenpetro said:

by me i feel like that ALL she gets.

Well that's not great, either. But I find that instance cited shocking and depressing.

i saw your post first then replied.  then i saw sfy's post and replied also.  my bad.

i think i'm mainly annoyed by the spelling because DD is so bad at it.  it just hangs over us.  if i really kept track i'd guess she does as much math as spelling but it's not as much of a struggle.

[Alyssa]

Aug 27, 2015 14:39:47 GMT -5 CrazyLucky said:

DS is at day 2 of K, so not yet! But we live in rural NC, and I am scared about what the sex ed curriculum will look like.

Yeah same here, my child just finished her second day of K about 20 minutes ago.  I'm a little worried about the strong emphasis on test scores though.

[sfy]

Aug 27, 2015 14:34:32 GMT -5 derp said:

Not teaching spelling? Thefuck ARE they teaching?

The woman I was talking to told me the teacher's explanation and it sounded so much like what DS's teacher and principal told me about cursive.  They believe that, as technology becomes an even greater factor, spelling/cursive will be rendered obsolete, so they are spending time on more substantive matters.  The woman said that the teacher she spoke to doesn't expect that the children will be doing much writing at all in school in the next few years, and even less so outside of school, so why do they need to spell ?

I admit that I am biased--for years, my first impression of people who were poor spellers was that they weren't very bright--so I have a real problem with this.  I am glad DS finished school before this became a thing, bootleg signature and all lol.

Aug 27, 2015 14:50:52 GMT -5 laurenpetro said:

if i really kept track i'd guess she does as much math as spelling but it's not as much of a struggle.

Okay, I have a great appreciation for spelling, but this is ridiculous.

[anastasia517]

Aug 27, 2015 15:00:25 GMT -5 sfy said:

Aug 27, 2015 14:34:32 GMT -5 derp said:

Not teaching spelling? Thefuck ARE they teaching?

The woman I was talking to told me the teacher's explanation and it sounded so much like what DS's teacher and principal told me about cursive.  They believe that, as technology becomes an even greater factor, spelling/cursive will be rendered obsolete, so they are spending time on more substantive matters.  The woman said that the teacher she spoke to doesn't expect that the children will be doing much writing at all in school in the next few years, and even less so outside of school, so why do they need to spell ?

I admit that I am biased--for years, my first impression of people who were poor spellers was that they weren't very bright--so I have a real problem with this.  I am glad DS finished school before this became a thing, bootleg signature and all lol.

Aug 27, 2015 14:50:52 GMT -5 laurenpetro said:

if i really kept track i'd guess she does as much math as spelling but it's not as much of a struggle.

Okay, I have a great appreciation for spelling, but this is ridiculous.

They no longer teach cursive in Ontario and haven't had to for years (I think my 22 year old sister didn't technically need to be taught it).  The kids also aren't getting courses working on typing.  Note taking is slooooow because neither are taught.

The comment about spelling makes me shudder.  I do know there is reasoning behind not marking every single spelling error in other subjects but not teaching it at all seems like it will not end well.