The Department of Education lesson plans and Obama's education agenda

September 3, 7:59 PMSeattle Conservative Culture ExaminerDaniel Crandall




Continuing an earlier column addressing President Obama's speech to students, I thought some readers might want to know what is in the now "de-politicized" lesson plans developed by the the President's Department of Education.
As noted earlier, the speech itself is not necessarily new. The depth of organization and media saturation behind it is unique, though some might argue that CNN, PBS, et al broadcasting a Bush '41 speech during the schoolday had the potential to reach as many students. Everyone should be concerned with the Department of Education's involvement.
Here are a few interesting suggestions for questions to ponder before, during and after the President's speech from the DOE's Pre-K through 6 Grade "Menu of Classroom Activities"

What is the president asking me to do?
What new ideas and actions is the president challenging me to think about?
What specific job is he asking me to do?
Is he asking anything of anyone else? Teachers? Principals? Parents? The American people?
What do you think the president wants us to do?
Does the speech make you want to do anything?
Are we able to do what President Obama is asking of us?

Pre-K through Sixth Grade children range from 3 to 12 years old. Should President Obama really be asking 3 year olds to "do" something? And if so, what should 3 year olds be doing for the "American people?"
Much of the Seventh through Twelfth Grade "Menu of Classroom Activities" may be vague enough to avoid the stigma of indoctrination. However, it repeats many of the same question asked of Pre-K through Sixth Grade childern.

Is President Obama inspiring you to do anything? Is he challenging you to do anything?
What do you believe are the challenges of your generation?
How can you be a part of addressing these challenges?

As was noted in an earlier column, the DOE was reported to have toned down the message from helping students, even those as young as 3 years old, discover how they can "help the President" to how students can "achieve their short-term and long-term education goals." Do these questions seem toned down to you? I still see students being asked how they can do this President.
Many will emphasize that the speech merely encourages students to pursue their educational goals. It should be noted that a fair amount of the activities recommended in the 7th - 12th Grade Guide does reflect this. In fact, there are exercises in the 7th - 12th Grade Guide that direct students to create a video "explaining why education is important and how education will help them achieve their dreams." Education is certainly a worthy goal. Let us not forget, however, President Obama's overriding agenda for his first year.
The President's trifecta is Health Care, Energy, and Education; "President Barack Obama challenged the nation's vested interests to a legislative duel ... saying he will fight to change health care, energy and education in dramatic ways that will upset the status quo."
According to the White House Education website, "President Obama is committed to providing every child access to a complete and competitive education, from cradle through career." [emphasis added]
The American public has seen what lengths this administration will go to push through a national health insurance reform agenda. It has seen how "Cap and Trade" legislation was forced through the House, with very little time for a thorough debate. I cannot help but wonder how the Obama White House might use thousands of children's videos declaring each student's dreams to push a "cradle to career" education agenda intended to "upset the status quo."

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