The recent actions of the new conservative majority of the Jefferson County Schools Board of Education remind us of a couple important points:
1. Elections can have drastic and immediate consequences on our daily lives.
2. Far too often in today’s ever-changing education landscape, extreme right ideologues are wrapping themselves in the cloak of legitimate, reasonable education reform.
Last week, the Jefferson County school board took under consideration a proposal from board member and known Tea Party activist Julie Williams that would limit what Advanced Placement U.S. History curriculum could cover.
Here is the proposal:
“Materials should promote citizenship, patriotism, essentials and benefits of the free enterprise system, respect for authority and respect for individual rights. Materials should not encourage or condone civil disorder, social strife or disregard of the law. Instructional materials should present positive aspects of the United States and its heritage.”
This proposal, and similar ones being discussed by conservatives on the Colorado Board of Education, is an attack on the very best 21st century scholarship that teaches students to weigh our nation’s history with a thoughtful mind and discerning eye.
The current A.P. History curricula highlight the events that made our country “exceptional,” to borrow a favorite conservative catchphrase. At the same time, they do not avoid the points in our history that, at the very least, are worthy of further discussion.
Could it be that there are actually events and decisions in our young country’s history that we dare not repeat?
The so-called reform these extremists seek is neither legitimate nor reasonable. It’s not reform at all. It’s a giant leap backward and harkens to our nation’s darkest hours; times of unfair judgment, unreasoned paranoia, and blatant xenophobia.
Or did they not learn about those times in social studies class?
Jennifer Walmer is the state director of DFER Colorado (DFER-CO). Prior to joining DFER-CO, Walmer was the Chief of Staff for the Superintendent of the Denver Public Schools, Tom Boasberg, where she helped pass a $500 million bond and mill initiative in November 2012. Walmer also was the Superintendent’s primary strategic liaison with a divided Board of Education; managed government affairs for the district; and led strategic partnership efforts with community organizations. Read more about Jen here.