Hi everybody:
I ran across this article while reading The Virginian-Pilot this morning. I have to say that I am a little appalled at this school system in Frisco, Texas.
Here is the link to a Dallas newspaper that covered the story back in August:
Is it just me, or does anybody else have a problem with this teacher losing her job over some angry parent’s decision to make a big deal out of this? It’s called ART for heaven’s sake….I really don’t want to lose faith in the public education system, but stories like this one make me wonder…
My mom is a middle school art teacher who has taught in the Virginia Beach School System for over 30 years. I just can’t help but think that something like this could easily happen to her.
I feel extremely sorry for this teacher whose only crime was taking her students to an art museum.
For what it’s worth, it should be noted the teacher didn’t lose her job over this. She was reprimanded, and later requested a transfer from what she felt was a hostile environment, which was denied. The article explains, “Ms. McGee [teacher] said Monday that she was afraid of being fired. Ms. Lawson [principal] told the board that she planned to have Ms. McGee return to Fisher this fall.” It also seems there are other issues involved regarding the teacher’s performance, with the museum incident being only part of the story.
That said the question of censorship in public schools is a big and messy one. While I certainly would not have a problem with my imaginary child viewing anything in a public art museum, I would not be surprised if that opinion paced me in the minority. This is also an issue that must be carefully considered by anyone using the web in their classroom, as there certainly is no shortage of material that many might find objectionable. I’m not really sure what the best approach in such a situation should be though, and would be interested to hear other thoughts.
Comment by Ken — October 11, 2006 @ 12:38 pm
Hi Ken:
I was trying to find a more recent article that would have explained that she did lose her job. For some strange reason, I wasn’t able to find the digital version of the article on The Pilot’s website. However, I was able to retrieve a more recent article that mentions her being terminated:
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/education/9936513/detail.html
I believe that this teacher covered her bases in regards to what she believed was appropriate to show to her fifth grade students. The article even mentions that the trip was approved by the principal of the school. Don’t get me wrong.. I do believe that parents should have a voice in what they feel is or is not appropriate for their kids to view on school-sponsored field trips, but they should have thought about that before they signed the release to allow their child to participate. Now a good teacher has lost her job at what I feel amounted to a witch-hunt.
Comment by Matt — October 11, 2006 @ 1:23 pm
It’s interesting that this came up now. Earlier this week I was viewing a documentary on post-Milosevic Serbia that I purchased to use in my East European survey course next year. It is called “Casting” (one link at: http://www.chicagodocfestival.org/casting.html). Alas, I won’t be showing it in class because the film includes one segment shot with a Serbian pornographic movie star in which she disrobes for the camera (topless only). At a public university, this probably crosses a line, even though it is way more tame than most of the films our students watch in the theaters. I’ll probably put it on reserve instead and just make students aware of the content.
Comment by tkelly7 — October 11, 2006 @ 2:07 pm
It is unfortunate, but there are a vocal minority of parents out there who believe that the ostrich strategy is best for their families. I know of one who is vocally offended by not only TV content for programed shows, but the commercials as well. The mother oposes even having her elementary aged children exposed to advertising of the “bras in the Sears catalog” type.
People like this are why Europeans laugh at us.
I’d like to know, though, the long term effects of this sort of ultraconservatism. Given recent scandals among the political party which supposedly supports “family values,” does restricting what is seen/heard really accomplish what is intended? I’m guessing it doesn’t work as great as the proponents think it does.
Comment by Michelle — October 12, 2006 @ 10:59 am