A note from Jim Peschke

A few days ago I learned of plans for a live speech from President Obama to the schoolchildren of the U.S. scheduled for Tuesday, September 8th at 12 noon EST. The people of Croydon need to be aware of this event and make an informed decision of if and how our school should participate.

A lot of garbage news comes from both ends of the political spectrum, so I waited until I had verifiable sources. Upon discovering a description of the event from the U.S. Department of Education's own website (http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/academic/bts.html), I reviewed their literature. (NOTE: Contents of this website have changed since my initial review of September 2nd).

As a parent, a citizen, and a Croydon school board member, I believe that participation in this event is NOT in the public interest. At a minimum, the speech should be videotaped and reviewed before being provided to our students. Parents must be informed and given the option of excusing their children from the viewing.

Conservative pundits have published plenty of strong condemnations, many of which evoke the personality cults of infamous historical figures. Rather than dive into the slippery slope, I would like to present the case against showing this video using the DoE's own documents as evidence of the inappropriate nature of this event.

1) Federal Meddling In Education

Even if the speech, its contents, and its timing were in no way questionable, this speech is an act of federal interference in our educational system. If the teacher were planning to teach Marine Biology, why allow the federal government to preempt that plan? Why replace Johnny's jellyfish lesson with Obama's speech? Educational fundamentals are much more important than anything the President might say.

2) No Review

To my knowledge, this speech is live and neither parents, teachers, nor administrators have any foreknowledge of its contents. What other part of our curriculum operates with so little review? Would we allow any other adult to address the classroom with so little understanding of what they intend to say beforehand? Would we distribute textbooks to the children before seeing what is in them?

3) Age Appropriateness

According to the DoE this speech is targeted for pre-K through 12th grade. How is this possible or appropriate? Would we have 18-year olds watching Blue's Clues? Would we ask our six-year olds to read the Federalist Papers? One of the few messages I know of that can target such a broad range is good old-fashioned propaganda, which brings me to my final point.

4) Cult of Personality

Yes, I must go here because the DoE documents go here as well. The DoE website provides two sets of instructions for pre/post speech classroom activities. Suggested activities for the younger children include:

"What specific job is the President asking me to do?"

"Are we able to do what President Obama is asking of us?"

"Is he asking anything of anyone else?" (This includes parents)

And my personal favorite:

"Why is it important that we listen to the President and other elected officials, like the mayor, senators, members of congress, or the governor?"


The intent may be innocent, but phrases such as this are quite familiar to students of 20th century history.

I urge members of our community to learn about this event and decide for themselves. I have contacted board members and the Superintendent to determine whether Croydon was planning to participate. I have yet to receive an answer.


It is inappropriate for the President to expect Croydon to grant him unfettered, unreviewed access to our school and the students.


Jim Peschke
Member
Croydon School Board