I get direct comments on some of my posts. This one was thoughtful and I thought it was insightful. From an anonymous thoughtful reader:
"To me, it is ironic that today, when both the Mpls. and St. Paul teachers are preparing to go on strike, not so much for pay as for smaller classes, more mental support for students, and other issues that would allow them to prepare their students for the future, the Minnesota Legislature debated whether all teachers would have to supply lesson plans to parents and also provide the parents a mechanism to challenge what is being taught. This would require quite a time commitment for the teachers. Thus taking away from the time available to actually teach.
All this so that they can assure that their children receive a good education. If they want to have that much control over the teachers and curriculum, they should home-school their children. But oh, they don't have time or the patience to teach their children. Maybe they should be required to teach 25 other students who have different levels, or rates, of learning and have to answer to the parents of the other children, hold conferences, take calls, etc. etc.
I predict if we go down this pathway, fewer students are going to pursue becoming a teacher. This would mean larger classes, more teacher burn-out, and teachers leaving."
An interesting article. While I haven’t given it as much thought as you, I’m not convinced evolution is such a slam dunk for our origin. As a devout Christian I tend to follow the Bible understanding it has its holes we don’t understand also. But you raise good points. I’m not ready for a full debate. Just saying what I think. I like your writing as it makes me think harder than on other writings.
I had the most wonderful discussion with a cousin of mine a few years back. He went to divinity school and would probably be considered Evangelical. We have the utmost respect and I think your point is of the most importance to me in that there are holes and there will always will be. A wonderful place for faith and serenity. One of my favorite Jesuits is Pierre Teihard de Chardin. An interesting person. I read at least one and I believe two of his books earlier in my life.
I like this idea that you can teach anything as long as it’s in the right setting and context. Makes sense to me!
You should run for school board :)
I get direct comments on some of my posts. This one was thoughtful and I thought it was insightful. From an anonymous thoughtful reader:
"To me, it is ironic that today, when both the Mpls. and St. Paul teachers are preparing to go on strike, not so much for pay as for smaller classes, more mental support for students, and other issues that would allow them to prepare their students for the future, the Minnesota Legislature debated whether all teachers would have to supply lesson plans to parents and also provide the parents a mechanism to challenge what is being taught. This would require quite a time commitment for the teachers. Thus taking away from the time available to actually teach.
All this so that they can assure that their children receive a good education. If they want to have that much control over the teachers and curriculum, they should home-school their children. But oh, they don't have time or the patience to teach their children. Maybe they should be required to teach 25 other students who have different levels, or rates, of learning and have to answer to the parents of the other children, hold conferences, take calls, etc. etc.
I predict if we go down this pathway, fewer students are going to pursue becoming a teacher. This would mean larger classes, more teacher burn-out, and teachers leaving."
An interesting article. While I haven’t given it as much thought as you, I’m not convinced evolution is such a slam dunk for our origin. As a devout Christian I tend to follow the Bible understanding it has its holes we don’t understand also. But you raise good points. I’m not ready for a full debate. Just saying what I think. I like your writing as it makes me think harder than on other writings.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I had the most wonderful discussion with a cousin of mine a few years back. He went to divinity school and would probably be considered Evangelical. We have the utmost respect and I think your point is of the most importance to me in that there are holes and there will always will be. A wonderful place for faith and serenity. One of my favorite Jesuits is Pierre Teihard de Chardin. An interesting person. I read at least one and I believe two of his books earlier in my life.
Apologies to sharp-eyed readers. A few oops made it past the editor this evening and were updated on the website.