Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Curriculum Analysis
4.18.2008
(I tried to see if I can answer the question in one true paragraph – I don’t know if I
did or not)
The reading by Tyack starts off by stating that social studies textbooks
are so “dull” but cause much “controversy”. In class last night, you handed
out a recent article about Matthew LeClair’s concerns over his AP social
studies textbook, the question “Where were the teachers in all this”. This
seems to me the controversy does not take place within the schools
use them, as has already been stated, use them without much objection at
all. And this is one area where I wish I could have been more effective in
discuss what is wrong and ineffective about teaching social studies, but with
the exception of a few students, the concept that this profession is a public,
of public service, being the person making waves is looked down upon, even
if the person has a valid, sustainable argument. The phrase “the nail that
teachers with tenure, those nearing retirement, or those not confident in the
subject find it easier work-wise, and safer occupationally to simply use what
tools have been given by their board of education and supervisor. In class,
Lowen’s quote about 70 percent of social teachers teaching solely from the
textbook in traditional fashion was taken to task, but I would venture to say it
the extra mile, is most times simply not there. (But the motivation to do
more in any profession is usually the exception and not the rule.) Add to it,
the fear of being told on, fear of getting a negative evaluation, or simply
being hassled is usually enough to stop teachers from upsetting the apple
cart. Unfortunately, for our students, the message government and politics
often are.