Back-to-School ads are everywhere. More cars are in school parking lots as teachers prepare. Children (most of them) are excited. School is about to start again. If you are a parent, you probably don’t need me to tell you that. But, as a parent, you may need a reminder about some things less mundane than new clothes, backpacks, and spiral-bound notebooks. Teachers are preparing for their classes, but are you preparing for their classes?
I’m hoping at least some of the readers of this blog have my book Who’s Got Dibs on Your Kids?. If not, I’ve reduced the price of the ebook to $2.99, and the print version is down a bit, too. If you already have either a digital or print copy, I urge you to read it again. Published just a few years ago, the problems parents and their children faced then are still around. They are compounded now by critical race theory and transgender issues at every level from pre-kindergarten on up.
Another book that has received high praise, and one I heartily recommend, is We Will Not Be Silenced by Erwin W. Lutzer. In addressing the issue of transgenderism, Lutzer says,
My word to parents: Be very wary of public schools. Regrettably, the radicals have captured the media, the progressive politicians, and the elites that write the curricula. We should not throw our children into a culture that is anti-Christian, despises natural law, and rejects science and civility. We should not put our children at the mercy of those who try to normalize the bizarre and are “grooming” our children, making them susceptible to adult sexual abuse.
I wrote about the importance of you reading history textbooks and being aware of the subtle use of mind-controlling techniques on your children. I told you to be aware of what organizations provide the lessons on sexuality. Those cautions still hold true, but it goes beyond that now.
Math used to be unambiguous: the answer was correct, or it was incorrect. No matter who did the math or came up with the answer. Politics and ideologies had no effect on it. Some are trying to change all that. Here are closing words from a statement dated October 2, 2020, by the Mathematical Association of America.
It is time for all members of our profession to acknowledge that mathematics is created by humans and therefore inherently carries human biases. Until this occurs, our community and our students cannot reach full potential. Reaching this potential in mathematics relies upon the academy and higher education engaging in critical, challenging, sometimes uncomfortable conversations about the detrimental effects of race and racism on our community. The time is now to move mathematics and education forward in pursuit of justice. [Emboldened words were so emphasized by the Mathematical Association of America.]
Some years ago, math started using word problems that had two mothers or two fathers identified, making LBGTQ seem the norm. Now racism is the cause célèbre. Math takes a back seat.
So it falls upon you parents to read the textbooks, review the math lessons, study the “health” manuals, check out homework. It is becoming almost rountine for many parents to now have a time after school, or after dinner, when what the kids were taught that day is reviewed and the material that is identified as incorrect, mentally and morally damaging, is replaced with truth.
I have previously suggested a question you might hear from your kids: “If everything they’re teaching me in school is wrong or bad, why do you keep sending me there?” It’s a legitimate question. Give some thought to alternatives.