To the Editor:
This letter is in response to the RFH BOE held on Nov. 17.
As parents in the R-FH community learn about the Common Core State Standards and how they have diminished classic literature in our schools, the need for appropriate book selection is paramount. CCSS mandates English classes teach no more than 50 percent classic literature, making room for “informational texts” in elementary grades. By 12th grade, the percentage is further reduced to 30 percent. Appalling – and no doubt a dumbing down of America’s standards.
What children read – or not read – in the K-8 grades has an impact on their high school education and beyond. What all English Language experts know is that whole pieces of classical literature – not excerpts – create the best foundation and set the stage for more advanced high school literary work.
Which do you prefer for 15-17 year olds: Cal and Death and a Maiden – books by lesser known authors, profane and sexually explicit material or Pulitzer prize winning authors and masterpieces of literature? Students are required to read Death and a Maiden during the summer, an inflexible requirement of the “one size fits all” philosophy.
RFH teachers use the rape scenario in Death and a Maiden as a teachable moment; they are not sexual assault experts. Nor do they have the ability to psychoanalyze the R rated text. These books are sending the wrong messages and the fact that The Two River Times will not print such R rated text says it all.
Perhaps RFH could take proactive measures by implementing The Teach Safe Relationships Act of 2015 & integrate Rape Aggression Defense System (RAD) to properly prepare students – more so than what they will read in a book. Students can study Shakespeare’s Henry V and discuss such rape topics – void of modern vulgarity. Connections to our world can be made through legendary books or any Classic that deals with sex, war, violence, alcohol, lies and truths. The historical context and language elevates this to a higher level text, higher level comprehension, quality talk and critical- reflective thinking.
This letter is in response to the RFH BOE held on Nov. 17.
As parents in the R-FH community learn about the Common Core State Standards and how they have diminished classic literature in our schools, the need for appropriate book selection is paramount. CCSS mandates English classes teach no more than 50 percent classic literature, making room for “informational texts” in elementary grades. By 12th grade, the percentage is further reduced to 30 percent. Appalling – and no doubt a dumbing down of America’s standards.
What children read – or not read – in the K-8 grades has an impact on their high school education and beyond. What all English Language experts know is that whole pieces of classical literature – not excerpts – create the best foundation and set the stage for more advanced high school literary work.
Which do you prefer for 15-17 year olds: Cal and Death and a Maiden – books by lesser known authors, profane and sexually explicit material or Pulitzer prize winning authors and masterpieces of literature? Students are required to read Death and a Maiden during the summer, an inflexible requirement of the “one size fits all” philosophy.
RFH teachers use the rape scenario in Death and a Maiden as a teachable moment; they are not sexual assault experts. Nor do they have the ability to psychoanalyze the R rated text. These books are sending the wrong messages and the fact that The Two River Times will not print such R rated text says it all.
Perhaps RFH could take proactive measures by implementing The Teach Safe Relationships Act of 2015 & integrate Rape Aggression Defense System (RAD) to properly prepare students – more so than what they will read in a book. Students can study Shakespeare’s Henry V and discuss such rape topics – void of modern vulgarity. Connections to our world can be made through legendary books or any Classic that deals with sex, war, violence, alcohol, lies and truths. The historical context and language elevates this to a higher level text, higher level comprehension, quality talk and critical- reflective thinking.
For years, RFH has heard from parents telling of their child’s discontent. A parent with a MA in Psychology who produced an award-winning parent advocacy video series, advised 3 times through email and two BOE meetings: “… when you expose a child who might not be ready for this kind of content, it’s called ‘scandalizing the child’ and has a very long and negative impact.” This special committee consulted no psychologist, researched no psychological effects, or has scientific facts on the teenage brain. Rather, they consulted the health teacher and labored over the health curriculum reading and related this to the literature. Quite an academic endeavor, but a ridiculous process.
Perhaps committee members violated the School Ethics Act. They have a moral and ethical responsibility to demonstrate sound leadership for all children in a scholastic setting. A world class educational system is one that focuses on the academic, social, and emotional development of every individual child.
Perhaps committee members violated the School Ethics Act. They have a moral and ethical responsibility to demonstrate sound leadership for all children in a scholastic setting. A world class educational system is one that focuses on the academic, social, and emotional development of every individual child.
Jacqueline Joyce-Schuldt
Fair Haven NJ
State Certified Educator
