Current Event #26: The Separation of Church and State in Schools
Due: Friday, May 25th, 2012
Recently, the Taliban demanded the closure of some schools due to the implementation of new religious studies being pushed into student's curriculum. With the past war actions and the more recent ending near, several government entities have forced some schools to change the way in which students learn and perserve their future country. These actions are a pure reflection of how the government is in the position of regulating both affairs of the state as well as religion within the school environment. As the United States led military effort winds down in Afghanistan will the Taliban tighten its grip on daily life in the country?
What You Will Do:
After reading the following CNN article and viewing the video link, http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/22/world/asia/afghanistan-taliban-schools/index.html?hpt=wo_c1Please note that your responses should be in detailed paragraph form. Be sure to explain your points in well-thought out sentences to reflect each question in its entirety.
you should then answer the questions below to share your thoughts and opinions regarding the closure and takeover of some schools in Afghanistan by the Taliban.
1. Relate these actions to various education reforms taking place in American schools. Would you take offense of these actions being done to provide a different learning perspective?
2. What are your thoughts concerning the government being given enormous power to exercise basic freedoms when it comes to the way schools are ran?
3. Do you agree or disagree that this strategy of school takeover is a way in which a society can safeguard or perserve its daily/social/religious principals? Explain.
Abu S
ReplyDelete1st
In American schools there aren't as many reforms. The only ones I can think of are the No Child Left Behind act and better education programs. In the middle east, things are more based around religion rather than wrote work. Teachings there can be very biased; almost brainwashing the children. I would take a lot of offense to this because it is a whole new system being introduced.
I think the power of schooling should be kept within the school board itself. The government should not have as much power on it. There should be guidelines for the acceptable leadership of a school. They should not have complete freedom.
I believe that it is effective, but immoral. Life should not be entirely centered around religion. When these children grow up, they might disagree with what they've been taught and rebel; thus causing problems for the government as a whole.
Ian Mckeown
ReplyDelete5th
there are Not so many reforms in our schools. However, in the east, they have a lot more school revolving around religion. which means bias is allowed. can also lead to mind control. that would piss me off. the school should focus on school. and not on government or religion. but there should be limits so chaos doesnt happen. i think it works but is wrong. life should be centered around living. not anything else. this could lead to stunting children. and causing violence.
Kat Westover
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
I think that I would be a little offended. One of the purposes of having an education is being able to broaden your view of things. I think that what the Taliban are doing is the exact opposite. American schools have tried to keep religion and academics separate to allow students to express themselves. The Taliban are making it seem like Islam is the only religion students should follow and are making other classes seem less important.
I think the government should have more rules about how they can change schools. It could very easily become a reflection of what one person thinks is important, and the children would be forced to learn it. It is good to have children broaden their horizons, but too much change could stunt their growth.
I do not think it is a good way for preserving principles. To some people it could start to seem like the principles are being forced on them, which would make people want to get away from them. To me, it seems like a forceful way to preserve something.
1. Relate these actions to various education reforms taking place in American schools. Would you take offense of these actions being done to provide a different learning perspective?
ReplyDeleteI really doubt that anyone totaly commited to their religion won't care about what is going on at ther e school, and would nit take offense. We have battles ofver whether or not we can say "God bless America" in school, because some people i guess are very sensitive, but that is ridiculous they are always going to have to deal with stuff like that.
2. What are your thoughts concerning the government being given enormous power to exercise basic freedoms when it comes to the way schools are ran?
I don't think they were given an enormous power.
3. Do you agree or disagree that this strategy of school takeover is a way in which a society can safeguard or perserve its daily/social/religious principals? Explain.
I think it was in a way to safe gaurd, because people are not very sensitive about religion, so unless you blatently assult them because of it i dont think they would mind.
Huibo Qi
ReplyDeleteP-2
There are definitely education reforms out there in America, no doubt about it, since we consider education to be very important. I would take offense to these actions. I’m not sure how much religion impacts the society in Afghanistan, but in America, religion is a choice for most people. There is also more variety here. The kid mentioned in the article didn’t seem to mind.
I felt that the Taliban have exercised a profound influence over the Afghanistan government. It seems that the government is too afraid to refuse the Taliban’s demands, and seems happy to comply, as long as they are not hurt. The contents that they are stuffing into their kids’ head, their future leaders; they have no control over them. And what little control they have is being monitored by the Taliban. Technically, the Taliban are in control and the government is their mouthpiece.
Through absolute control, it can safeguard a society’s principals, although it would be a morbid way to do so. If everything is so strictly controlled and enforced, I believe it will make a bland society. It will change the “inner mechanism” of society. The whole idea seems like a long and slow brainwashing process.
Carolyn Deutsch
ReplyDelete2nd period
There are not as many reforms in American schools. Although in the middle east there are some based on religion, teaching can be very biased and the teachers can teach in a way to make the children think a certain way with out the kids even realizing that it is happening. I would take some offense because I think that this is very wrong and the children will grow up with their opinions and views already set for them.
I think that there should be less power in the government and more in the school itself, because if the school has a specific way of teaching it should be able to teach how it wants and the government shouldn't be forcing schools to behave and have the kids behave a certain way, unless of course there is something bad going on in the school that needs to be changed.
Yes, I do think that it is effective because the children from a young age with out even knowing it are being taught certain things and it is just normal for them from then on. I do not think that it is a good thing to do though, I believe that children should grow up learning with out being told certain things and that they should have the freedom to believe what they wish.
Sunny Osment
ReplyDelete2nd period
http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/22/world/asia/afghanistan-taliban-schools/index.html?hpt=wo_c1
1. Relate these actions to various education reforms taking place in American
In the United States, we are supposed to not have to worry about religion and other’s religious views in our schools--much less be taught one way to believe and religious teachings. I would take offense to people telling me to worship or believe one thing or another. I think it is unfair for children to be limited in their own mind and thoughts and to not be able to consider other higher powers or no higher power at all.
I think it could be an okay thing for the government to be able to have power of the practices within schools, but I do not think it is okay for a major government to exploit their power in a harmful way that could take away basic freedoms of children and of people. Similarly, some teachers think it is required to say the pledge of allegiance at school, when it is one’s right to exercise the ability to not speak.
Students being forced to believe in one thing is not only a way to drill it in their brains that they shouldn’t believe what they are being taught but it is also a way to eliminate other than preserve these daily/social/religious principles and practices. I think telling kids not to believe in anything else is only a force driving them closer to questioning their own beliefs and what is being taught to them.
Bryan Zhang
ReplyDelete5th Period
In american schools, there arent as many reforms. We shouldnt worry about religion conflicts in our school, because it is something that is free to talk about. I think it would be offensive to me for people to tell me to worship a religion by force. It would be unfair if you have to worship a religion because someone forces you to.
In my opinion, it could be okay for the government to be able to have power of the practices within schools. Though this is okay, it is not okay for a government to use their power in a way that could make it a parasitism relationship with the people.
Yes, I do think that it is effective because the children from a young age without even knowing anything about religion are being taught to worship one. I dont think that it is a good thing to do it though, I believe that children and people should grow up learning without being told certain things and how they should have the freedom to believe what they think is right for themselves, because this is america.
Ye Htet
ReplyDelete2nd period
There aren't many reforms in American schools and the ones we have aren't bad or anything. The reforms that the Taliban made for the schools aren't so great. They teach them of only Islam and basically want to brainwash the students into thinking that Islam is the only religion in the world. I would be offended if I wasn't aloud to learn what I wanted to learn or believe in what I wanted to believe.
I don't think the government should have full control over schools. The school board should have more control of what happens to the school. There needs to be a balance, like the government can give a basic blueprint to how the school can be run but the school itself can build up and make it's own rules. Rules that don't mess with the people's freedoms. Neither the government nor the school should have full control.
It's effective, the way they teach the students of their religion, it is going to make them hold on to that one religion even when they're grown and exposed to other beliefs. They're forced to learn this though, so maybe the students will come around and think, "Why are they beating this into our heads?" and question the things that they're taught.
Taylor Headen
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
There are little to no reforms in our schooling system. I would take offense to this because I dont think that the government should be allowed that much power when it comes to what is taught and how many hours should be spent on that particular subject. I think that it should be up to the teachers to make that decision, because the teachers would know the weak/strong points in the childrens learning abitlties. I strongly disagree with this method because you should'nt make people live their lives a certain way.
Jamil Walker
ReplyDeleteHistory
May 24, 2012
In American schools today we don’t focus on to much of religion. We think as if you believe in something you believe in something we really don’t care. In school we might talk about because it gets brought up in some conversations so we talk about it. Now if someone wants to talk about their religion its fine but most people don’t like to. Just because they might think people might think or take them different.
I don’t think that the government should be able to let the schools practice things because how about if the people don’t like it. They would just be bored the whole time.
It really shouldn’t matter, now if parents would like they need to have it. Just to get an early start in life and making choices of what they believe in. And if the parents don’t like it then they just need to just don’t have it
Raziyah Farrington
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
Honors world history
5/24/12
1. I think that I could agree with others when saying that there aren’t that many reforms in American school. There are three that I can think of: No child left behind, better education programs, and the AVID program. In other areas religion is way more important then schooling. Down here we think of it as the teachers really brainwashing the students. I mean the students really don’t have any say so in what they do, since they have been doing it all there life they don’t know what’s wrong and what’s right.
2. I don’t think the government should have full control. I think it should be left up to the school board to determine how the school should be run. I mean I cold agree with others and say that they should have some control but the detailed intrusions and rules should be left to the school board.
3. I do not think this a good way of preserving principles. I think religion should be based on individual homes, not throughout the country as a whole. When they grow up and realize that they haven’t really learned what they should have, it’s going to create a big problem for the family and maybe even the country.
Roy Huang - 2nd period
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is a large number of reforms in American schools, and the ones that the United States do have are not bad. However, the reforms that the Taliban have made for the schools aren't good at all. They only teach Islam to the students and they are basically trying to brainwash the students into thinking that Islam is the only religion in the world. I would be take some offense if I could not choose what I could believe or think, partly because we live in the US, which is so freedom-oriented.
The government should not have full control over how schools are operated. I think that the school board should have more control over what happens to the school, and how it is taught. There should to be a somewhat equal balance of control between the two. For example, the government can give a basic blueprint to how a school should be run, but the school itself should build and make its own rules. They should make rules that do not affect people's freedoms and force them into believing and thinking things they do not want to, such as different religions. Neither the government nor the school should have full control of the situation.
I think that the method is somewhat effective. By teaching the students about their religion, it makes them hold on to that one religion as they grow up whie they are exposed to other beliefs. I believe that a school should definitely not have the authority to force children into believing a certain religion. I think that the way it is in the United States is the most effective, in that people have the freedom to believe what they want. If a person has a problem with another religion, they are not forced to follow it, and can choose to believe other things.
Everett Dang
ReplyDelete2nd period
I don't think there really are too many multiple religious conflicts the exist or live or inhabit our school. I'm pretty sure we're a tolerant place. We have been raised to think of everyone as equals; very few of us are real rednecks who think Christianity is the only answer, or think gay people should be burned. Because surprisingly we are kinda not stupid. Of course there are some people who think that, they can believe whatever they want to believe.
In my opinion, the government can do whatever they want as long as it isn't just plain stupid. Unlike many others I think the governemnt actually does a decent job concerning our rights. They have the power to do whatever they think is the best for their people. Therefore I do what I want.
Affirmative. I believe that it is effective maily because children are not raised to learn about every single religion there is. I dont think that it is a good thing to do it though, I think people should have a choice of what to believe and how to live their lives, whether it be religiously or politically. Any sense of decision is all one individual's choice.
Jonathan Jang
ReplyDelete5-24-12
1st Pd
1. Relate these actions to various education reforms taking place in American schools. Would you take offense of these actions being done to provide a different learning perspective?
America is a FREE country, so there are not as many reforms here than there. The only type of reforms that I can think of are the No Child Left Behind Act and more efficient education programs. In the 3rd world countries stuff like education and other things are mainly focused of religion rather than the things we learn today. Also in the 3rd world countries the things that children learn are very biased and manipulate the children to probably do bad things or become horrible people. I would take offense because it is a new system being brought out to the world.
2. What are your thoughts concerning the government being given enormous power to exercise basic freedoms when it comes to the way schools are ran?
The schools should have the power in this, the government should not be so strict on school when they cant even run it right. There should be a set of rules to follow with a leader of schools, but they should not be completely free.
3. Do you agree or disagree that this strategy of school takeover is a way in which a society can safeguard or preserve its daily/social/religious principals? Explain.
I agree with this strategy because children are careless and have little knowledge of the things that happen and are in this world and going to a school and getting forced to worship a God and learning about a religion is not the right way to get people followers of that particular religion. Furthermore in certain religions they bascially control your life and make you do certain things and make you not do certain things that you would want to try or do Like in some religions some people can not drink alcohol, and that is just a stupid rule, because I know some people switch religions just to drink and it is something that has to stop.
Parker Larson
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
1. Relate these actions to various education reforms taking place in American schools. Would you take offense of these actions being done to provide a different learning perspective?
We do not have many reforms in our school, but in another matter, I find it ridiculous to compare America to this situation. In America, you have a vast amount of choices when it comes to schools. So if you don't like the way its run, you can just move on to the next one. in rural Afghanistan, the closest school may be an hour extra.
2. What are your thoughts concerning the government being given enormous power to exercise basic freedoms when it comes to the way schools are ran?
I don't really understand the question. Which government are we talking about? Enormous power to exercise basic freedoms? Note the words enormous POWER and basic FREEDOM, this sentence contradicts itself.
3. Do you agree or disagree that this strategy of school takeover is a way in which a society can safeguard or preserve its daily/social/religious principals? Explain
Yes if you want everyone to have the same feelings. In America we try to keep everyone individuals though. We have made a crackdown on religions being brainwashed into kids but I still think that there is political bias in the classroom cough-Lindakugel-cough . I mean, not even in history classes, but all classes. Some teachers even grade on if you agree with them or not. We will not be free until teachers only give us the facts.
Peter Williams
ReplyDeleteMr. Waters WH
Period 5
Nothing like this is going on in the US because we have seperation of church and state so they don't teach us about Christianity a lot in school. I wouldn't take offence if they changed this but I don't think it would be right because not everyone who goes to our school is a Christian. So some people might be offended.
In some parts of Afghanistan the government doesn't control what is taught in schools, the Taliban does. In America I think it is good the government controls what is taught a little bit so that everyone learns the same things.
Teaching about religion in school will make everyone know it, but it shouldn't be the main focus at school in Afghanistan. They could teach a little and leave the rest to family and non school places. Preserving traditions and religion can be done other ways than this.
Emilee Taxman
ReplyDelete2nd Period
While the US wants to separate church and state as much as possible, Afghanistan wants the opposite. If they were trying to put more religion in the US, I’m sure lots of people would take offense, including me. While it is a different perspective, not everyone believes that same things and belief shouldn’t be forced on them. The US forces reforms on things like budget and gives suggested curriculums and gives tests to make sure we know them but we are being taught in subjects that will help us for the rest of our lives. Learning more about religion and less in other subjects will hurt their chances of getting jobs and having more knowledge. I feel that it will not help the kids in their future life.
I think that the government shouldn’t have so much power over every little detail in the country. They shouldn’t be able to impose on teachers by being in the classroom all the time. I think they should back off and let the teachers teach. The teachers have a better sense of what the kids need to know then some government workers. This could be a way for the society to keep its religion alive, but even without this imposition the kids would keep it that way. They learn so much culture at home and in class already, they don’t need more.
Vatsal Parikh
ReplyDelete2nd period
In the United States, we tend to have more freedom than in a lot of other countries so individual schools have a lot of control in what they do and are only minorly influenced by the state. In most public schools, religion is not taught very deeply, but there are many private schools that focus on religion a lot. I think that the Taliban should not limit what their children learn, it will not make them as smart in the future.
The government should not have complete power over schools, otherwise the children will learn only the good of their government and the bad of their enemies. They will learn from a very biased point of view and not be able to think outside of that bubble when they grow older.
I don't believe that this school takeover is a good way of preserving what they want. This limits what the children learn at school. I don't think that the government should be able to limit what religion people believe in or if they don't believe in because really it is every person's own choice. I like it how here in the United States, we are free to worship as we please.
Elijah Moore
ReplyDelete2nd Period
As far I can tell I don't think that there are many school reforms besides the big one former president Bush pushed for, the No Child Left behind program, and others like better curriculum. Besides the No Child LEft Behind program i cant really complain about the reforms made by the government. I get where religion comes into play but there is church for a reason. People can practice their religion outside of school even though i do believe that schools should touch upon the subject for better understandings about the religion and to get rid of stereotypes.
I dont have a problem with the control the government has on schools besides the tuition and financial aid schools give to students. I wasn't able to go to an independent school last year because the school was enable to establish financial aid and the tuition was $30,000.
Im not a religious guy so I cant really answer that question. If religion was a bigger part of my life then maybe i would have an answer but for now i do not.
Blaire Sobolewski
ReplyDelete5/24
first period
1. In schools in America there are not too many refroms taking place. American schools are pretty good at keeping religion and academics seperate. This lets students be who they are and express themselves. I think the Taliban are making a mistake because they are teaching religions. Personally i think that i would take offense to this if it happened to schools in America
2. I don't think that the government should have this much power over the schools. I think it's okay for it to have some, but the majority of the power should belong to the school board. The government should be able to make a few rules the schools must follow, but not make up everything.
3.I agree that this strategy of school takeover is a way in which a society can safeguard its daily/social/religious principals. I think that it will do what they wont, but i disagree with the idea.
Matt Dayton
ReplyDeleteperiod 1
5/24/2012
In the United States we are very good about keeping our division between church and state. The religions are taught in our school district as a part of our social studies curriculum, but our teachers cover on all the major religions and do not emphasize one over the other. I believe that is a very good thing. It teaches that our youth should look at all religions the same and pick the one that they believe in, not the one that somebody is forcing them to believe in.
I think that our government is set up very well in how our government chooses what goes into our curriculum. There are many people that have input in our curriculum and most of them would veto something that was not right. As for other governments, they do not do what our government does. They do not let their youth choose what they believe in; they tell them what to believe in. It is almost as if the governments are turning our youth into mindless zombies who can’t think for themselves.
I kind of have mixed thoughts on our government taking control of our education. It is good in a way in which they choose what we need to learn and they pick what they think is the most beneficial things to learn. The only flaw in this is if a corrupt leader got into power then he could change what we were learning into what the leader wanted to learn.
Caroline Liu
ReplyDelete5th Period
5/24/2012
The well-known phrase, “wall of separation between church and state,” is actually a reference to a phrase used by President Thomas Jefferson to describe the function of the First Amendment in a letter in 1802. The phrase did not become part of U.S. jurisprudence until more than 75 years later when the U.S. Supreme Court stated that it was an “almost” authoritative explanation of the First Amendment (but then nevertheless interfered with a Mormon’s free exercise of his religion since it included polygamy). Since 1947, the courts have frequently used the phrase in deciding First Amendment cases.
At minimum, the separation of church and state means that the U.S. is not a theocracy, as is the case in some Middle Eastern countries. Americans do not believe that the country’s leader rules by divine right or has divine powers. It also means that the church and the government are separate institutions and neither directs the internal affairs of the other. The government is not involved in choosing church leaders and these leaders do not serve in government in their role as church leaders (although they may be elected or appointed to government positions in their capacity as ordinary citizens), as is true in England. In addition, in 1947 with the case of Everson v. Board of Education, the U.S. Supreme Court began to hold that the separation of church and state means that there should be virtually no contact between religious ideas and government activity.
While the Supreme Court’s current position on the separation of church and state protects those of minority faiths or no faith, it often leaves those of majority faiths feeling that their free exercise of religion is being infringed. It is also deeply troubling to those who believe that faith is necessary, or at least conducive, to moral and lawful living. The Court’s position has also become increasingly controversial as the role of government has expanded through the years. Because the government is involved in many aspects of community life today, from maintaining the public school system to administering many social benefits, preserving a strict wall between state and any religious idea pushes religion to the margins of public life. Many Americans believe this is a result the Country’s founding fathers never intended.
Some Americans believe the courts should make every attempt to discern what the original drafters of the Constitution and First Amendment intended at the time of drafting and apply this intent to today’s circumstances. They argue that this is the law of the land enacted by the people through legal procedure and can be altered only by Constitutional amendment. This view tends to favor a greater level of government accommodation toward religion since it is undisputed that government at the time the Constitution and First Amendment were adopted both recognized and respected religious belief and made many allowances for the religious nature of Americans, including public prayer and Bible reading. Others argue that the Constitution reflects certain principles of general morality which courts must translate as best as possible into current reality, adapting as necessary.
Morgan Mann
ReplyDelete5th Period
The U.S. has school systems that focus on religion, and it is the parent’s choice whether or not they want their children to be enrolled in those schools. If not, public school systems don’t focus on one religion; instead they learn about a variety and aren’t biased against any one. I am religious, so having religion be a bigger part of the school system I’m in wouldn’t bother me as much as people who aren’t religious. They are who we have to think of, and I think that if you have made the choice to be apart of a public school system, then it is only fair not to have religion be a main topic.
I believe the government should have a large role in the way the school systems are run. They run the country, and school systems are apart of that country. I don’t necessarily agree with the idea of a society running a school system. I believe people involved and working for schools in a certain area have the right to make decisions for those children and what they learn.
Ria Das
ReplyDelete2nd Period
Schools here, don't really have that many reforms, and if they do, then they are not as drastic as the ones that were taken in this situation. Here teachers are not supposed to discuss their own political and religious views, as to not impose their beliefs on us. I would not like someone to tell me what or what not to believe and I would take offense to that. Maybe in Afghanistan the government has been given a lot of power in the way schools are ran, but I think here they don't have as much power. For something to be changed, many people have to approve the decision, therefore there is less of a chance for a very drastic reform to be passed. I don't agree with the strategy that the school used, because I think everyone schould be able to believe in and practice any religion that they want to.
Ariella Hirsch
ReplyDelete5th
In America there is separation of church and state. This is important because this idea is part of what America is built on. The public schools in America do not promote one religion over the other, however they do educate students on many different religions. There are many private schools in America that are religious. If a parent wishes for their child to attend a religious school it is their choice.
I think that everyone should have freedom of religion. People need to learn to be tolerant of differences. The Taliban should not be allowed to tell schools to teach one religion over another. Children learning in schools that teach one religion, whether the children believe in that religion or not, could lead to many problems in the future.
Jacob Guskiewicz
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
1. I would not take different actions if this situation was happening in America. Mostly because most of our schools are not church schools and in Afghanistan it’s more religious in the teaching in schools. I would take offense if they did try to change the learning here by adding new religion teaching. I disagree with the new and different learning techniques they have brought into schools.
2. The Government is given too much power when it comes to running schools. I feel that school boards should be given more power. Like the money they spend on exams is crazy why can’t they just take them away? Kids hate them so school districts should have more rights to govern themselves.
3. I would say I agree. It’s like forcing a child to learn about religion. When what if their parents do not agree with that learning. I think principals should not follow the way the government is starting to look at running schools and we should be against it.
Jeremy Werden
ReplyDelete1st period
Every public school in our country has been reformed. The reforms have shaped the studies of which we have learned. The Taliban want to shape some of their schools, in what they think is a positive direction, and as long as they are not lying and murdering, i believe it is OK. Honestly, I learn what is on our curriculum, even though it will probably not help me in life as much as it should. If the people with power believe strong in one array of subjects, than it should not be subjected to our hatred as a terrorism group hurting students.
Education is very vital, and everyone should have a right to it. Governments have the responsibilities to allow kids to attend school, as well if the responsibility to protect them from harm. Learning a lot of Islamic culture should not be deemed terrorism, because it is backed by The Taliban. I think that local communities should have a say in what their schools learn. This goes for America, we should not have to obey the state curriculum. We should be allowed to individualize our courses for our needs and admiration's.
Andrew Simms
ReplyDelete4/24/12
P.2
In American schools many things are taking place. This is an affect of budget cuts upon our education. Budget cuts have cut the money for schools not allowing them to offer some classes or sports. This is kind of like how the Taliban are getting rid of English. I will not take offense of these actions because they cant be stopped due to our debt and money loss.
I do not believe the government should hold this much power. They should be able to have a say in what education does but this is to far. I think that the board should be allowed to with enough vote be able to go against the governments thoughts of education.
I think it is a good way to preserve their religious principal. This is not fair to a lot of the children though some of them may want to be normal and not take as many religious classes. Also what does religion do other than cause death and suffering?
Daniel Ferreira 5th Period 5/24/12
ReplyDeleteSchools in America go under reforms, but not reforms concerning religion this drastically. The only reforms I see in our schools is test taking and new classes being brought up. Schools do not get shut down here because of religion.
The government has a lot of power in Afghanistan because the Taliban is a powerful force there. In countries like that, it is very difficult to maintain free and safe serving environments. This strategy of school takeover is an extremely dumb idea. THey are taking away children's learning opportunities just because they have all the power. THe Taliban is forcing to schools to change curriculum, which is terrible because they don't know what they are doing.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMookho Paw
ReplyDeleteSchools in the united states have gone under many reforms such as budget cuts. Classes have been taken out because there is not enough money and many teachers have been laid off. Some students are also not able to play some sports because of the budget cut. Along with budget cuts, schools in the United States also change their curriculum some times but this reform helps students in many ways. Also in the U.S teachers do not talk about thier religious or political views, at least they aren't suppose to. Parents make the decisions about weather or not they want their children to go to religious schools. And they have the freedom to do that.
I do not think that the government should force schools to change their curriculum, and force these kids to be brainwashed. The Taliban are very powerful, nut taking over the schools I think is just plain wrong. Kids should be taught subjects that are crucial for them, and help them i the future. Not to be brainwashed with religious views. Taking over and not allowing school to start is just stupid. There are other ways that can help perserve religious practice.
Our government requires that we go to school and I believe that we have very good curriculums.
Sadie Frank
ReplyDelete1st period
1) There have been lots of reforms in schools, and there always will be, but the Separation of Church and State is something that will protect us from religious teachings being forced upon our schools. No matter how many reforms we might undergo, the country would put up a fight if religion was going to be taught in schools.
2) The government should have power over schools, but I don't think it should be absolute so that they can do what they want. I think that completely changes the purpose of governmental control in schools. The government should let the teachers and principals and supertintendents carry out their own ideas, and be there to change something if it goes against the law or the best interest of the children in school.
3)Religion should not be in schools. It shouldn't be in government. Countries shouldn't have a national religion, because religions vary within a country. Putting religion in schools will do nothing but brainwash young children from an early age, possibly against the wishes of their families. The Separation of Church and State is there for a reason.
Louisa Fine
ReplyDelete1st Period
There should be a seperation between church and state. Our founding fathers decided this when they made up the original laws for this country. Religion shouldn’t be exempted from schools but all religions should be presented objectively.
Government should be involved in schools. The people in the general area of the school should also have control of what is going on there. Government should not be over powerinng in a school situation. Schoolo should be a safe environment for anyone to express their beliefs. Everyone should feel included no one should be discriminated against.
I do not believe that government should mandate the religion and ways of social life every single child should take place in. In America many people can all relate without having all of the same views as one another.
Olivia Donahue
ReplyDelete1st period
I believe that there should be clear and definite separation of church and state. The idea that one's religious doctrines are more important than another's is simply preposterous. School-aged children are already vulnerable and open to many new ideas, and they should not have to deal with being influenced by another's religion. However, I do think that children should be exposed to other religions through school, be learning and reading about ther, but not being forced to practice it. I do believe however that public schoools should recieve as much state funding as possible. With the financial climate as it is, schools have had to deal with greatly decreasing funds and budgets. In order to produce smart hard-working Americans, we need to build a strong foundation of education.
Kristin Thompson <3
ReplyDelete1st period
In many American Schools we do not have to really worry about any reforms because there are little or none and the ones that have reforms are not bad or anything. The reforms that the Taliban has made for the schools are very different and very bad compared to America They are teaching them only Islam and making them think that is the only religion in the world. I would take offense because that basically means that The Taliban is setting something in these children’s heads and not letting these Kids form there own opinion. Everyone should be able to have and form there own opinion on the beliefs.
I think the government should have some rights over what happens in the school but I also think that the school board would need to have majority of the rights over what happens in schools, I don’t think that the government should have the right to brainwash these children’s and use there powers to make these children not be able to form there own opinion.
I don’t think what the government is doing is a good way of preserving principles because it basically is forcing someone to believe in something. These children are very young so religion might not be very important to them yet but I think that when these kids grow up they should be able to form there own opinion on whomever they choose to worship.
Nate Bolon
ReplyDelete5th Period
1. I would not take different actions if this situation was happening in America. Mostly because most of our schools are not church schools and in Afghanistan it’s more religious in the teaching in schools. I would take offense if they did try to change the learning here by adding new religion teaching. I disagree with the new and different learning techniques they have brought into schools.
2. The Government is given too much power when it comes to running schools. I feel that school boards should be given more power. Like the money they spend on exams is crazy why can’t they just take them away? Kids hate them so school districts should have more rights to govern themselves.
3. I would say I agree. It’s like forcing a child to learn about religion. When what if their parents do not agree with that learning. I think principals should not follow the way the government is starting to look at running schools and we should be against it.
Hugh Kelley, 5th
ReplyDelete1: I would not really take offense to these changes in school curriculum. Although I would not take offense it would make me not enjoy school a lot. School is about learning things that you can use in your future lifetime. Not learning about religious values that you would only use on Sundays.
2: I think that it is ok that the government is given power to control schools. Even though I think that it is ok that the government is given power. I think that it is given too much power. So to regulate the amount of control the government has would be to take away some power for them.
3: I would say I agree. It’s like forcing a child to learn about religion. When what if their parents do not agree with that learning. I think principals should not follow the way the government is starting to look at running schools and we should be against it.
Jeanie Stouffer
ReplyDelete5/25/12
5th
I think there should be religious classes and clubs, and we need more of them,but it is not okay to make the school curriculum based on religion. Some people do not feel comfortable learning about different religions, because people feel like they have to be that way, but religion is a choice, and it is not forceful; it’s influencial. religion influences people and changes them.
I think the government needs to see student’s opinions, and it is not the opinion that counts, but it is the reason of the opinion. the government needs to pay more attention to the students, rather than the money. money has always been an issue.
Jack Jansen
ReplyDelete2nd PD
In American schools there aren't as many takeovers. In these countries things are more based on religions rather than written work. Teachings there can be very swayed; almost trying brainwashing the children. I would take offense to this because it is a whole new system being introduced.
I think the power of schooling should be kept free from religionboard itself. The government should not have as much power itself. Although there should be guidelines for the acceptable leadership of a school. They should not have complete freedom.
I believe that it is effective, but immoral. Life should not be completly based around religion. When these children grow up, they might disagree with what they've been taught and rebel; thus causing problems for the government as a whole.
Current Event 26
ReplyDeleteDavid Batson
P: 2
In the US, there are people who try to block certain subjects from being taught in school such as religion and sex ed. Personally, I agree with the separation of religion and state because of dispute it could cause over what religion should be taught. I would not like it if the curriculum was tweaked and there was a new learning perspective. I don’t personally subscribe to any current religious theory, so I would not enjoy having to learn about a religion that I don’t agree with. The taliban are mostly increasing religious teaching in school, so my argument is applicable there as well.
I believe that most of the power should stay inside a local school board as opposed to the federal government. Every area should have the power to change and form their own curriculum instead of having to blindly follow the government’s curriculum. The government should have limited control in schools only. The government’s control in our school system is pretty good because they only set a few things as opposed to having totalitarian control.
I agree that the school takeover is purely to preserve their way of life. It is also to keep the students under their control so that the government will have social, daily and religious control still over the next generation of citizens. The only way they can preserve their way of life is through control of people at a very young age. If they let them go through schooling and learn about other types of governments and religions, they realize that some of them will begin to think that their government system or religion is bad and want to change. Then, eventually, people will begin to drift in the favor of democracy or another religion or against the taliban.
Kefu Zhu
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
There aren’t a whole lot of reforms taking place in American schools as far as I’m aware of. The ones that I know of seem to be all positive and for the better of all, not biased towards the standpoint of a single group. I would take great offense to something like this happening in the United States. I could understand them wanting to teach us more about religion, but forcing it on us and changing the curriculum entirely is too drastic for my tastes. It really reminds me of the good ol’ communist government brainwashing programs.
The government given such power is not great, but hardly abnormal. Honestly though, I don’t feel like it was a good idea in Afghanistan. It could just be my stereotypes and racial profiling, but it honestly seems like less developed countries (usually) have a higher degree of corruption. Maybe giving corrupt governments power wasn’t a good idea, especially if they’re sucking up to terrorist groups like the Taliban.
It is not a way to “safeguard” its religious principals. It is a way to “safeguard” the Taliban’s supply of religious extremists. In either case, it does seem to be quite effective, but I’m not sure if that’s a good thing in this situation. In either case, this is not a good thing, and I’m opposed to it.
Juliann Cho
ReplyDelete1st period
5/24/12
There are not many reforms in American schools- if there is, they are good reforms to help better our education. People in our country should not be worrying about being taught a religion or a certain way because of a religion. I, personally, wouldn’t feel very comfortable being forced to believe in a religion that is being taught in my school. I don’t think being forced to learn about a certain religion would be considered a “new learning perspective”, but more of being brainwashed.
The government already has so much to handle and worry about- but I don’t think that schooling has to be one of them. We have a Board of Education for a reason. I think there should be a certain limited capacity to what kind of leadership role the government can take, when it comes to education in schools.
The way the government is spreading religion is effective and will work, but that doesn’t mean they should keep doing it. I think these children are being brainwashed without them knowing. Everybody should be able to have freedom of religion, even if they’re little children. I think it’s effective, but it’s not right to do it.
In American schools, reforms aren't nearly as widespread; the only ones I can think of are the No Child Left Behind Act and the recent, now-undone Washington, DC area school reforms. In the Afghanistan, these new Taliban-enforced reforms are based on religion rather than secular study. Religious education as a public instrument is never the right thing to do, especially with this medieval brand of radical Islam that denies people freedom and enforces Sharia law. As someone who is not a Muslim, and who does not enjoy being threatened by armed goons, I would not like to attend school in Afghanistan.
ReplyDeleteThe second question makes little sense. Why would anyone being upset over government exercising "basic freedoms?" Also, I don't see how this relates to the article unless you perceive "forced hardcore right-wing militant radical extremist theocracy" as "freedom" and "guerrilla war criminals who are fighting the government and its allies against the better interests of the people" as "government."
Heather Fowler
ReplyDelete2nd period
Although there aren't very many academic reforms in America, I think I would be a little offended if I was taught by biased teachers who simply taught their beliefs. The point of an education is to expand your general knowledge, and opinions can sometimes get in the way of that. In America, we have tried to keep education and religion two separate topics, but the Taliban is doing the opposite. They're making it seem like there's only one religion that people are allowed to follow.
Personally, I believe educational matters should be handled by the school board. I think the school board should have full power over the school system instead of the government. The school board could be teachers, students, and their parents to ensure the best experience for those involved.
It probably is very effective, but that doesn't mean you should do it. Every single person should have the same freedom of believing what they wish, and a certain way of thinking shouldn't have to be drilled into their brains.
Jeffrey Williams
ReplyDelete5th Period
I would take offense at the fact that the Taliban is forcing schools to teach religion. I myself am not a very religious person. I can see that in both areas schools are trying to control students' actions.
I think that governments should allow schools basic freedoms instead of just laying out a standard. I think that a school's personality is very important to its students, so if we start putting more government control on schools, school won't be quite as special.
I don't think this is a good way to preserve these principles. This is way too controlling of the government and should not be supported.
Honors World History-1st Period
ReplyDeleteI think that forcing religion on students during school is outrageous. Many different people have different religions if they even have one at all so how would they determine which to enforce throughout the school day? Church is a place to practice religion. School is a place to practice and learn valuable life skills...NOT religion. I also think that the government should allow schools to put down their own "standard rules". I think that because the way a school is ran is basically an outline of how the student-life and staff-life is going to be like. I'm not saying have a relaxed control system but keeping the freedom in school is important. I don't think that the government should be trying to take this much control over schools especially the ones in North Carolina. North Carolina has some of the greatest schools around so therefore I would not support this decision.
Kevin Chen
ReplyDelete1st pd
Schools should not be forced to teach religion. There are many people with different religions, and I think that students should choose whether or not they are taught religion or not, it should not be mandatory. The government should not have full control of what is taught in schools. They should provide some insight and suggestions to school boards on what should be taught, but it should not be completely left to the government to decide what students are taught.
I think that it is an effective way to safeguard their values, but it should not be done, because people should be given the right to exercise their own beliefs, instead of a group forcing their beliefs upon them.
Waad Husein
ReplyDelete2nd Period
1) I don't believe there are any education reforms in America involving religion. To be honest, the focus on teaching of religion in the Middle East isn't seen as offensive over in that region because religion is so prominent. Also, the majority of the people there are Muslim, so for religion being taught in school, it's seen as beneficial because the kids are being taught their own religion. It's not like in America where there are many, many different religions and it'd be more offensive and difficult to teach one specific religion in school when there are many people who have different faiths.
2) I do believe that the government should play a role when it comes to the way that schools are ran, just to ensure that it's proficient. Although, the people who know the school the best are the ones associated with it, such as a school board, including the superintendent, principals, teachers, etc. Their opinions and ideas are more valuable in the ways that a school should be ran.
3) I believe that this is an effective way to spread beliefs and ideas although I don't believe that subjects other than religion should be cut short in order to focus more on religion; they should all be taught equally. Obviously with the teachings of these religious principles it might call for a more wholesome society, but not necessarily. Most religions have values such as honesty, kindness, and caring for others which isn't any different than the values that are taught in school. In the end, a child will grow up and act how they want to, it's up to them whether they want to follow what they were taught or go their own ways.
Melissa Turner
ReplyDelete2nd period
I would be offended if the Taliban is forcing schools to teach religion.
I think that schools have such a huge impact on students life that putting government control on it could really effect the students. I don't think this is a good way to preserve these principles. This is way too controlling of the government and should not be supported.
Dilay Uras 5th-period
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is a large number of reforms in American schools. Though, the reforms that the Taliban are not so good. They only teach Islam to the students and they are basically trying to brainwash the students into thinking that Islam is the only religion in the world. It is not the only religon in the whole world, and speaking as a Muslim I do beileve that the children should have a decsion about what religon they would like to learn about.
The government should not have full control over how schools are operated. I think that the school board should have more control over what happens to the school, and how things should be taught. There should to be an equal balance of control between the two. For example, the government can give a basic blueprint to how a school should be run, but the school itself should build and make its own rules. The government and the school board should work together, not have one over power the other one. They should come up with ideas/rules that will not affect the student's freedoms.
I think that the method is somewhat effective. By teaching the students about their religion, it makes think about their religion and at the same time look into other religons,too. I also think that a school shouldn't have to force students into believing a certain religion. The way it is in the United States is the most effective.
Lianna Malawski
ReplyDelete1st period
5/25/12
There aren't many reforms in American schools- if there is, they are good reforms to help our education. People in our country should not be worrying about being taught a religion or a certain way because of a religion. I, personally, wouldn’t feel very comfortable being forced to believe in a religion that is being taught in my school. I don’t think being forced to learn about a certain religion would be considered a “new learning perspective”, but more of being brainwashed.
Arturo Tornero
ReplyDelete1st Period
In American schools, reforms are uncommon, though I don't believe that American schools or teachers should teach religion. And of all the reforms taken place in America, they were positive ones and not biased. Here, we’ve managed to separate religion and non-religious education in school, but it doesn't seem like it for the Taliban; it seems like there is only one way of religion.
I think the board of Education should be taking care of that, and the Government should have as least of it as possible. This isn’t giving students there an opportunity to learn many things, or for them to individually go their separate ways and choose whatever they think is best for them.
Sophie Kahn
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
There are not as many education reforms taking place in our schools because our schools have much religious diversity. I would be offended if our school was shut down and the curriculum is changed to fit an overall religion. The children are only being taught one religion, like that’s the only one in the world. It’s pretty much brainwashing kids while they’re young and they don’t have a choice. I wouldn’t like to be in their position.
The government is making decisions not based on the freedom and minds of the younger generation. Therefore, I don’t agree with the fact that the government has all the power over the schools.
This is certainly a strategy for the government to make sure the next generation conserves the religious life it has always contained. Teaching kids while they are young what is right in the eyes of their religion makes them believe it their entire life, which is exactly what they’re aiming to have. They want the next set of rulers to have the same motives as they do now, and teaching them young will make sure that will happen.
David Archer
ReplyDelete1. Relate these actions to various education reforms taking place in American schools. Would you take offense of these actions being done to provide a different learning perspective?
We do not have many reforms in our school, but in another matter, Why is America being compared to this situation. In America, you have a vast amount of choices when it comes to schools. So if you don't like the way its run, you can just move to another school.
2. What are your thoughts concerning the government being given enormous power to exercise basic freedoms when it comes to the way schools are ran?
I think it is terrible and I think a government should not have that much power.
3. Do you agree or disagree that this strategy of school takeover is a way in which a society can safeguard or preserve its daily/social/religious principals? Explain
Yes, if you want everyone to have the same feelings. In America we try to keep everyone individuals though. We have made a effort to stop the religions brainwashing. Some teachers grade on if you agree with them or not.
sam herbert
ReplyDeleteThere aren't many reforms in American schools and the ones we have aren't bad or anything. The reforms that the Taliban made for the schools aren't so great. They teach them of only Islam and basically want to brainwash the students into thinking that Islam is the only religion in the world. I would be offended if I wasn't aloud to learn what I wanted to learn or believe in what I wanted to believe.
I don't think the government should have full control over schools. The school board should have more control of what happens to the school. There needs to be a balance, like the government can give a basic blueprint to how the school can be run but the school itself can build up and make it's own rules. Rules that don't mess with the people's freedoms. Neither the government nor the school should have full control.
It's effective, the way they teach the students of their religion, it is going to make them hold on to that one religion even when they're grown and exposed to other beliefs. They're forced to learn this though, so maybe the students will come around and think, "Why are they beating this into our heads?" and question the things that they're taught.
EMERY HARWELL
ReplyDeleteFIFTH PERIOD
I dont feel that these changes are in any way relatable to reforms in US schools. with all the diversity and understanding held by MOST people, teaching different beliefs and views is a good thing, nothing that should, or will be, banned. the taliban want control, and they're doing so by teaching just one religion. if you cant learn anything else, what are you to follow but the only thing available? its pretty basic really.
the fact that they have this sort of power is some BS. i personally think government should have as little to do with community as possible. just enough for some structure. and regulating what relegions are taught is stupid. just let people know whats out there so that they can decide for themselves.
there is no doubt that the government is using this as an opportunity, but to safeguard society.. THEIR society. not one that is free and open for religion. they have created a society, and are guarding that against what it should be. A society with freedom of religion and freedom of education and all that good AMERICAN stuff.
Schools in America have less reforms then other countries. I would take offense to this because in America religion is a choice. In the Taliban only teaches kids about one kid of religion so kids aren’t really getting to know about the other religions they could follow. I believe the school systems should be changed by the say of the people because the government running everything gives them to much power. Controlling the education kids get is a big deal. Yes what they are doing is effective but I don’t believe it’s a good way to go about things.Kids should be exposed to all religions so when they get older than can focus on whichever religion they choose.
ReplyDeleteThe only reform America is doing for its education system is cutting its funding which is probably the worst possible thing they could be doing. If schools implemented a more religious curriculum I personally wouldn't be offended but there would be plenty of others who would be. I think that governments should definitely be given less power when it comes to schools. They shouldn't be able to set the curriculum because then kids will most likely be getting only one perspective instead of many.
ReplyDeleteJulia Haines
ReplyDelete1st pd
These actions are a little extreme compared to the reforms taking place in the USA. At least in our school system, I know that they are becoming more strict when it comes to the ‘how’ in material being taught. This limits the creativity and freedom that students have. It replaces projects and actual application of learning with ‘to-the-textbook’ straight up memorization of facts and regurgitation of data. I think that, if it seems that students are learning, you shouldn’t change anything so dramatically.
The government should have very little say in education. We don’t want politics to have any say in teaching very impressionable children. Already, most college professors are democratic and are letting that show in their teaching, so that college students come out of college voting democratically before they get a chance to see the real world and test their own opinions, instead of reflecting their professors.
Government brings politics and publicity and trying-to-please-everyone into everything it has control over. We don’t want any of those in our education system, because all of those things are things that children should develop opinions about. Opinions shouldn’t be something that you are taught. That’s all I have to say, the Taliban in a way was right to stop a specific religion being added to the curriculum, unless it was a school that focused on that religion, such as Catholic and Jewish schools in the USA.