On Sowing and Reaping (Re: Science Education in Big Spring, Texas)

Thanks to the concerted efforts of some of the community, some so-called science teachers, and religious fanatics, all of whom are against science, both the high school and junior high school in Big Spring, Texas have been rated academically unacceptable by the Texas Education Agency.See the following for details: NewsWest9
Big Spring HeraldThe unacceptable rating appears to be based upon standardized test scores in science among ethnic and socioeconomic minority groups but it is difficult to say exactly due to the piss poor professionalism of journalists around these parts.The only thing I can think of now to end this travesty is to remind the populace that if there is no high school, there is no high school football.As I have stated from the outset of my posting on forums, the war to preserve public education in the US is right here in Big Spring, right now.I suppose that the evangelical/fundamentalist movement is gloating over this great victory. They have helped to prevent the disadvantaged from considering a career in science.How does helping the poor to remain poor fit in with the Sermon on the Mount?Free for all?Crossposted to WorldWideWord Dreamcatcher.Edited by anglagard, : clarityEdited by Adminnemooseus, : Add the "(Re: Science Education in Big Spring, Texas)" part to an otherwise pretty worthless "On Sowing and Reaping" topic title.

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Read not to contradict and confute, not to believe and take for granted, not to find talk and discourse, but to weigh and consider - Francis BaconThe more we understand particular things, the more we understand God - Spinoza

You are right, the stories alone do not support what I said concerning "the concerted efforts of some of the community, some so-called science teachers, and religious fanatics, all of whom are against science." The sources I am using go beyond these news stories and are due to my contacts within the community, which include my direct experience at the local junior college concerning the 'quality' of education the local high school graduates have received in too many cases. I could just reiterate what my daughter has told me about her junior high science teachers but since she is a member here I have asked her to post her experiences. To be fair, she has not complained to me about her high school science teachers, just junior high.Watch this space in the future for direct witness testimony.Edited by anglagard, : add "in too many cases" as some HS graduates are quite knowledgeable (just as some are appallingly lacking in basic skills)

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Read not to contradict and confute, not to believe and take for granted, not to find talk and discourse, but to weigh and consider - Francis BaconThe more we understand particular things, the more we understand God - Spinoza

While ignorance in matters of science may be prevalent and even encouraged in parts of the US, particularly the 'Bible Belt,' I think one should be cautious in inferring from this that this observation is universally true. From what I understand in at least some parts of the world, scientific illiteracy is being actively combated. I reiterate, the dark ages may be a more provincial phenomena that exists only until the US is militarily/economically conquered by foreign powers as the enemies of science education so earnestly desire.

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Read not to contradict and confute, not to believe and take for granted, not to find talk and discourse, but to weigh and consider - Francis BaconThe more we understand particular things, the more we understand God - Spinoza

I went to High School in Morro Bay, CA in the early 70s where biology was taught by the formidable Mr. Boudreau. Here are a few select quotations from the best of my memory:

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This is a college prep class, therefore I am going to teach it as a college class. College is for adults. If you don't act as adults, you are out.

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quote:

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In this class, I teach evolution. If you disagree with evolution you don't belong in this class.

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Or words to that effect. I took both general and marine from the guy and over 15 years later when I took general biology in college (for HS teacher certification, of all things) it was a breeze.My concern is for this community and the quality of education the average HS student receives. You think the online presence is bad, you should see it in print. Actually the local newspaper is a large part of the problem as they do not allow any letters to the editor that say anything more than how great Big Spring is, and how everyone here is far 'above average.'At least if the community was allowed to express their feelings and opinions in this matter via the local newspaper as in the rest of the free world, there would be an opportunity for dialog. As it is, evidently the Big Spring Herald exists to tell the community what to think and not to ask what they think.

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Read not to contradict and confute, not to believe and take for granted, not to find talk and discourse, but to weigh and consider - Francis BaconThe more we understand particular things, the more we understand God - Spinoza