Teach yourself what we teach the kids

“There’s a trend in education to teach that we’ve become inseparable, interchangeable members of preordained groups. No independent, rugged individualism allowed,” is the topic sentence of Jack Mcwherter’s letter off August 18. This is presented as a summative statement of fact. Perhaps this is just a throw away statement to introduce a rambling, dyspeptic complaint.

Education today is always at fault for things not being as grand and glorious as they once were. Instead schools turn out Orwellian creatures doomed to group think. Seriously! What is taught in California K-12 schools is mandated by the framework for each subject and by the Content Standards for that subject. Each subject taught is tested through the Ca Assessment System. Further, the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) ties how your local schools spend money to support the adopted curriculum. At every level, community participation is required by law and no curriculum may be adopted that does not comport to the state curriculum. To access these documents, go to your local school district central office or your county office of education and ask to see them. Your school’s LCAP is available at the school’s office. You can also access the Content Frameworks and Content Standards for every subject by going to the California Department of Education website. Your district has examination copies of all adopted textbooks. Learn for yourself what is taught and expected of students, especially before you write a letter.

— John Kissam, Chico