<p>Wow. Someone should inform that teacher that in this country we have a secret ballot, unlike some other countries he may or may not consider moving to!</p>
<p>My D had an ultraconservative US history teacher her senior year (which was the only year of HS she did in the US.) He missed school periodically because he was in the reserves, and was extremely patriotic. He was an awesome, passionate teacher. It was actually a welcome change from the US-bashing teachers she’d had in Germany, although he still stands out to her as being a little off the deep-end.</p>
<p>I like to think my kids think for themselves - all of them are conservative on some issues, liberal on others, and often “other” on many. (And they don’t necessarily agree with each other - or me, for that matter - on every issue. Makes conversations fun.) They have benefitted from having a wide variety of teachers, and learning how to express their views without being insulting. I think it is important for kids to learn that people can have opposing opinions and still be intelligent, thoughtful folks. </p>
<p>I agree that this will be great training for college - and life - when you find yourself subordinate to someone who thinks differently.</p>
<p>We would all like to think that our kids are strong enough in their beliefs to withstand these types of teachers, but I know many are being influenced. I also knew several kids who felt they had to write papers that agreed with the teachers’ viewpoint in order to get a better grade.</p>
<p>If you don’t believe me, please ask your kids about this. It’s a good conversation for parents to have with their students.</p>
<p>Is there clear evidence that a student has to express a position that the teacher agrees with in order to receive a good grade or is that simply the student’s perception or even rationalization?</p>
<p>I’m not insinuating that they’re wrong but as an AP teacher (not gov’t) I often read essays that do not agree with my interpretion of the evidence. That doesn’t matter, what does matter is how well the student is able to support their thesis. </p>
<p>Many students with different perspectives from mine have earned strong scores on the merit of the support they provided for them. Many other students have earned low scores on papers that are in line with my interpretation because they failed to provide adequate support for their thesis.</p>
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<p>That is the best approach. It may also help students to ask them to argue a position that is contrary to their own, so that they can see the strengths and weaknesses of their own and that of others who disagree with them. Or for the teacher to play devil’s advocate, making it clear that /she is playing a role, not necessarily expressing his or her own opinions. This is why debate teams are such a good idea.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t be terribly concerned unless you have actual evidence that grades are affected. This can be a great opportunity for your child to hear a different point of view and possibly learn how to diplomatically present his/her own opinion.</p>
<p>Could the student just ask the teacher, nicely “Mr/Ms. XX, I think it’s great that you email us with opportunities to get politically involved. I’ve notice that most of the events you send are affiliated with the Republican party, which is cool. But what about kids who identify more with the Democrats? Is there a way you could include those events, too?”</p>
<p>That way, your kid doesn’t have to “align herself” with any one party, but is letting the teacher know that she and others have noticed the one sidedness of his emails.</p>
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<p>My kids AP Gov teacher kept saying he was going to Germany if Bush won again – where one of his kids had already move to. Last I heard, he’s still here. </p>
<p>On a more serious note, there is a very respected program near me that is humanities-based, but crosses the line a lot on issues regarding religion and politics. They deconstruct the Bible giving the most liberal perspective and one teacher referred to God as a “B*****d”. A friend of mine’s child protested that and was shut down by the teacher. Another teacher said he wished he could assassinate Bush which is so far beyond inappropriate – that’s the kind of thing that can get you on an FBI watch list. Nothing was done when she complained. My son has friends going there now and he’s appalled by some of the stuff he hears. Students who have differing views feel they cannot speak there and those who try finally give up, worried for their college recommendations. Even though my kids have had some teachers who made no secret of their politics, to their credit, they tolerated opposing opinions and encouraged healthy debate. Silencing opposing opinions in a program that is supposedly designed to make kids think, is wrong. For two of my kids a humanities program would have been great, but there was no way I was going to send them to this program. It’s a shame.</p>
<p>S2 is involved in Speech & Debate in HS. They have to be prepared to argue any side of any issue, and not only state a position, but back that position up with evidence and logic. He has learned that there are (at least) two sides to every issue, and to respect the other’s position. Regardless of his political leanings, and regardless of the viewpoints of his teachers, I am grateful that he has developed these invaluable skills.</p>
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<p>What teacher does not? English? Science? Foreign Language? Math (perhaps)? </p>
<p>(Some teachers are just more open about it. Others can hide their viewpoint in the required readings.)</p>