10 Insane History Lessons that Private, Religious Voucher Schools Are Teaching America’s Kids

[xchrom]

http://www.alternet.org/education/10-insane-history-lessons-private-religious-voucher-schools-are-teaching-americas-kids



***SNIP

1. The Great Depression: Made Up to Spread Socialism

In a section titled "More Rumors," America: Land I Love In Christian Perspective takes on the origins of the Great Depression. The book explains that,

"Some people wanted to create an imaginary crisis in order to move the country toward socialism. They spread rumors of bank mortgage foreclosures and mass evictions from farms, homes and apartments. But local banks did all in their power to keep their present tenants. The number of people out of work in the 1930s averaged about 15 percent of the work force; thus 85 percent continued to work. Most had to take a pay cut, but prices also declined during the Depression, enabling people to buy more for their money."

***SNIP


2. Nazis: Brought to you by Karl Marx and Charles Darwin

The book also teaches students that "as a socialist, Hitler believed that the government should own the nation's industries and take responsibility for its people." Through socialism, the book tells us, Hitler became “the absolute dictator of Germany. By embracing socialism, the German people lost their freedoms to a tyrant."

***SNIP

3. The Post-WWII Era: A Time of Crusades and Constant Praying

According to the book’s authors, preceding the 1960s, the “moral values of biblical Christianity provided a just standard of law, order, and mutual respect, which in turn increased material prosperity…. School days often began with prayer and Bible reading, and parent-teacher meetings and civil organizations usually opened with prayer."

[cali]

1. Crazy shit

but I don't totally oppose private schools getting public funds.

It's been working well in Vermont for a 150 years. I understand that Maine also tuitions out kids to private schools.

There is no public high school in St. Johnsbury or down the road in Lyndonville. So kids from those and neighboring towns, go to either St. J Academy or Lyndon Institute. And that's true in quite a few other areas in the state:

http://www.stjacademy.org/

http://www.lyndoninstitute.org/

[jmowreader]

2. A Beka Book is affiliated with Pensacola Christian College

We've discussed this so-called college here. It is essentially four years of Marine boot camp.

[reformist2]

3. Not exactly "crazy" or "insane" - more like "brainwashing," "indoctrinating," and "full of lies."

The most disturbing thing about these books is the rejection of critical thinking as an educational value.

[TxDemChem]

5. Right you are. I wish it were simply crazy, but

This is far more insidious.

[shenmue]

4. I can't believe they're getting away with this garbage

They should be shut down immediately.

[jmowreader]

6. That would be religious persecution