Enculturate the young into a social and political Democracy? What does that even mean?

(Make sure you read the quotes at the bottom)

Look - I don't have time to write a research paper.  Life is crazy busy!  But I feel continually compelled to let people know what I see, so that if they have a problem with it or maybe feel compelled to do something about it; they will.

Tomorrow is our local school board meeting.  Before last February I had NEVER, EVER been to one.  Have you?  I didn't really care.  I live in a very strong community with tremendous people and that was good enough for me.  But life doesn't always go as we imagined it would.  Life has a way of throwing us a curve ball.  I didn't go looking to be an activist, activism found me.

So what's my point?

You need to understand what our District's Strategic plan is and then decide if that represents the values of our community.

Why does it matter now when I've known about this for a year?  It matters because it is up for review at tomorrow's meeting.

Here's the Agenda and the Board packet.

Now back to the Strategic Plan -

What's the problem?

So what?  What does that even mean?

en·cul·tu·rate

 [en-kuhl-chuh-reyt]  

verb (used with object), en·cul·tu·rat·ed, en·cul·tu·rat·ing.

to change, modify, or adapt (behavior, ideas, etc.) by enculturation.

social democracy

n.A political theory advocating the use of democratic means to achieve a gradual transition from capitalism to socialism.

de·moc·ra·cy  (d-mkr-s)

n. pl. de·moc·ra·cies

1. Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives.

2. A political or social unit that has such a government.

3. The common people, considered as the primary source of political power.

4. Majority rule.

5. The principles of social equality and respect for the individual within a community.

I couldn't find an official definition for a political Democracy in my quick search but will update with an official definition if I can find one.

So what?  Isn't America a Democracy?

When Benjamin Franklin was asked this question his response was,

If you don't know the difference between a Republic and a Democracy watch this video:

It's okay - most of us don't.  I'm still learning too.

Where did this even come from?  

Wasatch School District is in a 5 district partnership with BYU.  Yes, I love BYU too.  

I thought the school was near perfect too, but now I question some of the employees.  If that makes you uncomfortable, as it did me, read this talk by Pres. Packer to BYU faculty, staff and administrators:  Snow White Birds. 

Like I said, I don't have time for a research paper right now as it is already 3 in the morning but here is the short answer. 

BYU partnered with an organization NNER:  http://education.byu.edu/news/2003/01/01/hosts-nner/

BYU’s School of Education was one of NNER’s 10 initial settings when it was launched in 1986. The NNER was founded by John I. Goodlad, Kenneth Sirotnick, and Roger Soder with emphasis on Goodlad’s Moral Dimensions theory. Goodlad’s four moral dimensions include enculturating youth in democratic living, providing access to knowledge, practicing a nurturing pedagogy, and ensuring responsible stewardship of schools. The NNER was established on the premise that good schools are not possible without good teacher education programs, and good teacher education programs should immerse students in good schools as a part of their induction into teaching.

They have since dropped this association after citizens in Alpine School District questioned the philosophies of John Goodlad and his organization.

 BYU has partially amended their vision statement, it's time Wasatch County followed suit.  Let your voice be heard.

Here are some philosophies John Goodlad holds:

Read about Alpine's fight here:

http://www.utahsrepublic.org/tag/john-goodlad/

BYU drops NNER

http://www.saveasd.com/asd%E2%80%99s-moral-dimensions-expert-socialist-john-goodlad-terrorist-bill-ayers/