Delete comment from: Boston 1775
Hello,
I am Joe Enge, the teacher in question regarding the spinning of social studies. Much of the facts cited are accurate, which is far more than I can say for some other commentaries. For this, I applaud the article. The connection of these facts is open to being interpreted as spin or valid professional issues and concerns.
I can understand how difficult it is for someone outside of the controversy to weigh in on it, even with accurate information. Was it spin or valid professional concerns? I think it's important to differentiate between the district "guidelines" and the Nevada state history "standards" before any attempt at discussing the matter.
I was on the committee that wrote the Nevada state history standards back in 1997. I discovered a major disconnect between the Carson City School District "guidelines" and the state standards when I started teaching history at my high school. I pointed out how the district's approach was out of alignment and was bull headed in following the state standards.
For reference, I was in another school district when I helped write the state standards and went overseas before coming to Carson High School and seeing their "creative" teaching of history.
I honestly thought this simple issue would be resolved once they cross checked the state standards. Needless to say, that was not the case. Few, if any who have opined about the controversy ever bothered to check the state standards I cited. I think that's the saddest commentary on the whole matter.
As people and the media discussed spin versus valid issues, an alignment of power took place. The district painted itself into a corner by denial. They successfully distracted people from the state standards, ignored them themselves, and tried to hint other issues were in play.
Should a teacher contradict the state standards when the district guidelines are contradictory? The state issues our license, but the district evaluates and pays us. It seems the state doesn't even care, so the smart play would be to "play ball" with the district.
It is well over a year since the issue became public. I left teaching and was elected to the same school board by the citizens who know me or have had their children in my class. My assertions regarding the variance between the state standards and the district guidelines have yet to be proven wrong. I personally invite any and all to try.
I wish I was wrong so that the personal stand, sacrifice and struggle would not have been necessary. Public cynicism can be healthy, but not to the point of blindness. Cynicism is not the problem if one can articulate and prove their position. Apathy regarding the teaching of history is the true problem we face.
Sincerely,
Joe Enge
Dec 7, 2006, 11:02:00 PM
Posted to Colonial Boston Vocabulary: "improved"