UPDATE: My daughter was up very late last night working on her essay. My wife helped her considerably as did the comments in this thread. She decided that the best thing to do was to write an essay somewhat like what was assigned. The assignment was to write an essay giving your opinion on whether you agree or disagree with each of the fake "laws and principles". She wrote a short introductory paragraph and then talked about each "law or principle". Those which were opinion, value statements, or just plain nutty and wrong she took to task by stating so. She ended with a paragraph about how such opinions don't belong in a science book and that it calls the whole science book into question. I'll try to post it later.
My wife and I will sit in on her class this morning and we will meet afterwards with the administrators to get an update from them about why the teacher is still using the fake science book. I will probably warn them that I am going to have to escalate things until the textbook is gone. Basically, I want them to know that their lives will be far easier if they use the brand new real science textbooks that they purchased and have unused, onhand right now or they can have me make their lives difficult until they do. They don't know how experienced I am at such things and what resources I have at my disposal or they would have already taken appropriate action. I guess that they may be about to find out.
I'll keep everyone up to date as to the outcome this morning and what the administrators say and do. Soon, I may need to post contact information online here and see if I can get some FReeper help in applying pressure on the school.
Good for you and I'm sure a number of us here will be pleased to jump in. Thanks for the update.
good for you!
count me in for the action
Looks as if your daughter is about to obtain a real education on this.
It is interesting that the school didn't have the teacher in on your meetings. Something is odd. The teacher may not be able to handle the pressure of being questioned.
Thanks for the update, God Bless you and your family. Please keep me in the ping list for any further update.
Sounds like an excellent essay. I hope your child is prepared to get a 'D' on it.
You made the right move by having your child write an essay and respond to the assignment. Now no one can say that you're trying to cover for a kid who's not doing the work.
You say that this is a private school. If so, how then can the teacher defy the principal in this matter? You were also right to insist that this ersatz "science" book be taken out entirely, instead of being one of the texts used. Be sure that if that compromise had been accepted, it would be the one used 90% of the time.
As far as the 9th and 10th grade books go, I'd wager that there's plenty of material on the Internet that could be used, even entire courses.
Please keep us updated, and keep up the good work.
Ready to rock and roll. Standing by for PING. Have you queried other parents to see if they have similar concerns? When the school leadership see multiple families, the message may strike home harder.
Great work so far! I can't wait to read more.