Complete control over what is taught

The Washington Times ^ | 11-28-05 | Michael Smith

[JZelle]

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco recently issued a wake-up call to parents in the case of Fields v. Palmdale School District. Judge Stephen Reinhardt, writing for the court, ruled that though parents have a fundamental right to decide whether to send their child to a public school, they do not have a general right to direct how the school teaches their child. The case before the court that led to this ruling centered on a survey that asked several public schoolchildren invasive questions about sex. The parents argued that the school should not have allowed their children to be asked these questions. The parents, however, had given their consent by signing a form that included the following statement provided by the school district: "I understand answering questions may make my child feel uncomfortable. If this occurs, then ... the research study coordinator, will assist us in locating a therapist for further psychological help if necessary."

[JZelle]

Government run schools cannot be trusted.

[Izzy Dunne]

though parents have a fundamental right to decide whether to send their child to a public school, they do not have a general right to direct how the school teaches their child.

The inevitable consequence of schools which are not run by the local community.

Time was when the local school curriculum was decided by the local school board and the local community.

Back when "community" meant something.

[Idisarthur]

Despite the presence of a consent form, however, many people agree that public schools should not usurp the authority of parents, especially if the subject is controversial. In addition, many people believe that if you choose to send your child to public school, it's reasonable to expect the school to act as a partner rather than as a parent.

From article... : I find it interesting that people would say you choose to send your kids to public school...

Can I please have my tax dollars returned - I choose to send my kid to private school.

I dislike all dems, socialists, communists.... they are all of the same subset and thinking.

It's too bad many conservatives like to play softball.

[ZOOKER]

I'm trying to be tolerant here and see things from the 9th Circuit's point of view.

I mean we can all be reasonable about these things, right?

Like, say, if Rosa Parks got patted on her little head and told to simmer down and get back in her place. We know what's good for you, and if you don't like it you can just buy your own bus...

[taxesareforever]

Judge Stephen Reinhardt, writing for the court, ruled that though parents have a fundamental right to decide whether to send their child to a public school,

If this is the case than why do parents have to report or have progress reports sent to the state dept of education? Either parents have the right, without strings attached, or they don't have the right. So judge, how about getting it right.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Gee, it really gives me a warm fuzzy to see the school system collectivized by the state. When any of us have a gripe that the teachers are openly telling our kids that our president is the face of evil, had foreknowledge of 9/11, and say that he is the real terrorist of the world while teaching from history books with entire chapters on how wonderful Bubba Krinton was, we have zero recourse but to pull the kids out and homeschool them. Then the govt. will come after you for that!

[little jeremiah]

Moral Absolutes Ping.

I'm scared to read the whole article. I might get too angry and disgusted and it wouldn't be good for my health. This part was particularly horrible:

"I understand answering questions may make my child feel uncomfortable. If this occurs, then ... the research study coordinator, will assist us in locating a therapist for further psychological help if necessary."

So if your 10 year old kid feels "uncomfortable" about answering (and reading) questions about oral sex, the school's going to send him or her into therapy!

Pull, snatch, rip, grab your kids out of public schools. Don't risk another day in the indoctrination centers.

Freepmail me if you want on/off this pinglist.

[polymuser]

VOUCHERS!

[Danae]

I pay a lot in taxes. I also send my son to Private School, Montessori. It costs us 6700$ a year and is a BETTER education than what is given in Public Schools, which in this area (Portland Oregon) amounts to nearly 11000$ per kid per school year. For 4300$ LESS my son gets a top notch Education.

What is up with Government run schools that they cost more to run, and cost more per student???

If something is wrong, it often looks wrong, and this as sure as shootin looks wrong.

I want my money back from the Gov!!!!!!!!!!!!! They failed in their contract. The Contract is void, I want my money back.

[sr4402]

Homeschooling Bump!

[JamesP81]

Government run schools cannot be trusted.

Nor can the 9th circuit court. But we knew that already.

[TAdams8591]

"Time was when the local school curriculum was decided by the local school board and the local community."

That is the difference between then and now.

[TAdams8591]

"Government run schools cannot be trusted."

I wasn't aware of that until the good folks at FR learned me. /sarcasm

[Fred Hayek]

"the school's going to send him or her into therapy! "

More proof that psychology has been hijacked by those with political motivations.

[Durus]

What we need is a separation of school and State.

[rzeznikj at stout]

All Good points.

Pull, snatch, rip, grab your kids out of public schools. Don't risk another day in the indoctrination centers.

Public colleges and Universities, for that matter. Unless you're made of money or can get a heckuva lot of finaid, most young people will end up going to a state college or university, where the same cycle of socialist indoctrination continues. Some become teachers and the chains are complete.

Private institutions can be just as bad, but there are several good ones, or so I hear.

[HKMk23]

If this is the case than why do parents have to report or have progress reports sent to the state dept of education?

In California, they don't. Simply file the R-4 form with the State, then teach what you want, as long as you include material that falls into, or can be construed to fall into, the required subject areas.

It's an incredible irony to me that, for all of the decadence and social decay, California is among the best in terms of freedom of private (or home) education. There are virtually no controls, at all; it's completely up to the private educators what and how to teach.

[HKMk23]

GOVT. VOUCHERS = GOVT. STRINGS Dismantle the public system or make it non-compulsory with tuition payable on a per-student basis just like at the local private schools and no general tax levy to fund it otherwise. Let public compete head-to-head with private education, unsubsidized, and we'll see who comes out on top. Public education must be forced to improve by direct market pressures. Things like vouchers will only end up entangling private education in the same web of regulatory controls that have nearly destroyed public education.

Read The Underground History of American Education.

[Ban Draoi Marbh Draoi]

Someone needs to show these judicial clowns Pierce v. Society of Sisters in which the Supreme Court flatly stated that "children are not the mere property of the state".

[Aquinasfan]

Judge Stephen Reinhardt, writing for the court, ruled that though parents have a fundamental right to decide whether to send their child to a public school, they do not have a general right to direct how the school teaches their child.

Wake up people.