I cringe when I see those signs in people's yards. I know most teachers are good willed souls and they intend to help people. The practical reality is that many teachers do help people. The theoretical reality is that the public school is a soul death camp. I no longer support any teachers in the public schools, not because they are not nice people, but because they work in an institution that is charged with deforming our children, inculcating untruths, race ideology, identity politics, gender ideology, unnatural sex acts, political activism and now a soft political terrorism. Even if teachers don't "personally" support these things, it is their job to damage society as such. I imagine there must have been some some really nice and caring guards in the Nazi death camps, but I don't think that exonerates them in the eyes of history for the crimes of the Nazi's. Ignorance mitigates guilt, but it is increasingly obvious that the schools promote the culture of death and I can no longer respect a profession like this. I do not support Santa Barbara teachers anymore!
I agree Jonathan. We are the first line of defense, along with parents, to serve and protect children. When we don’t do that, we are complicit and allow the harm to happen. Criticized and disrespected as I have been by the teachers and the community, I would rather stand alone. I know I am not alone but there hasn’t been much “action” to support.
I share that experience with you Christy! From my first year I have not gone along with their program because I first asked the questions "what edifies a human soul?" and "what is the best kind of education for children?" The answers I found are diametrically opposed to what the schools ask us to do. It has been a war and it is a miracle that I have been in the classroom so long. What I do somehow stays between me and the families I serve. I know what you have been through and I applaud your virtue, especially your courage! Keep up the good fight!
Thank you, Christy. We are so lucky to have you in Santa Barbara. It doesn't help the state of public eduction that we have a governor who's openly antagonistic towards the rights of parents and who caters to the whims of the teachers' unions. I think a lot of current public education problems - the tragic decline in standards of learning, sexual misconduct, to name two - would be solved if there was a law that every politician in office had to send their own children to public schools.
Seeing the hoops that teachers must jump through in order to merely discipline and unruly student, the picture starts to become much clearer as to why our school system is in such a mess. The teachers unions that protect molesters of our children, need to be called out publicly, and some sanity needs to be re-introduced at the upper echelons of the department of education. The problem lies in the education of our teachers. They have been taught this drivel their entire lives, and therefore regurgitated to the next generation of teachers and political leaders. The Democrats have been brilliant in this strategy and patiently waited for this group to reach the upper echelons of society. As Barack once said, “we are the people we have been waiting for. “ It’s going to be a tall task to undo all of this, and I pray that the American people will someday see-through this sham and dismantle it.
Yes I agree Brian, they have played a looooong game! And we have to get into the game and battle hard and, like you said, undo the damage and retrain these minds to overcome and not sit in victimhood.
I know I’m not alone when I say that I really appreciate all the work you have put in and continue to put in. Keep spreading the word because things keep happening that make our point of view look more and more credible. Seems like common sense to us, but these kids that have grown up as I say, institutionalized, don’t know any better. They are Regurgitator not free thinkers.
I read this article by Ms. Lozana and I quote "Teacher Union Sexual Misconduct Protection proves Costly" "With the prevailing public perception that the union’s main purpose is increasing salaries for teachers, another underlying and sadly insidious function is the union’s continuing protection of those teachers who have been accused of sexual misconduct."
It is far worse than you all can imagine because sexual misconduct is rampant in Santa Barbara
and the teachers are our first line defense against mentally disturbed children or young adults
who committed heinous crimes like School Shootings, and who are sexually abused.
Was their a defeated School Shooter in Santa Barbara? Did people risk thier lifes to "Detect the Threat"
You all should thank God that there are people here, and not the locals, that are protecting your community day by day and hour by hour. Forget about your So-Called-Local Leaders.
Howard Walther, member of a Miltiary Family.
PS - The New Title should read "We Stand With Those That Actually Protect Our Children and it is not the So-Called-Leaders of Santa Barbara"
Easy to remember the plague times, when the teachers abandoned the classrooms from fear of contagion from children. They have doomed a generation to a disrupted education that has the consequences of inability to concentrate, obsession with TikTok, and rejection of authority. IF they taught at all it was online, to "Zoom" meetings that children were not required to turn on their cameras for, so the "teachers" never knew if they were actually speaking to anyone. And after that betrayal they ask for more wages. I say if and when the test scores show their students back up to the expected grade proficiency, THEN we can consider the question of their wages.
If someone would like to know who is pulling the strings nationally for teachers, look no further than radical and activist Randi Weingarten, AFT President. Yes, their members have a vested interest in restricting choice for children and their parents. Funny, I thought they were the party of choice? Anyway, it’s not about math, reading, writing and history. No, it’s more about indoctrination, gender studies, environmental justice and DEI.
Hopefully one of Trump’s first executive orders should be to abolish the DoE and open up the process to school choice. I certainly support his promise to restrict federal funds to school districts who require masks and vaccines. And secondly, to keep men out of women’s sports!
Actually, I’m excited about the future of education in this country!
CTA (SBTA) is affiliated with the NEA- National Education Association, not the AFT.
However, your information about the second largest national teachers union operation- Randi Weingarten's AFT - is correct.
$800 billion in tax dollars spent on public education nationwide every year is big money. Many operations want their hands on it. The educational industrial complex lost it way years ago with that much money on the table .What they have done to the education of our young people in return, particularly in California is shocking.
Trial court in Vegara vs LAUSD even concluded their union bargained for policies denied students their constitutional rights to a quality education. Specific reform steps were included in the ruling. However, with Gov Newsom's and the LAUSD teacher union help that trial court ruling and reform mandates were over-turned on appeal.
It has become very dangerous to continue supporting" teacher union PAC endorsed" school board candidates in this state.
California Teachers Association (CTA) Local affiliate: SBTA
National Affiliation: National Education Association (NEA)
The California Teachers Association (CTA) is a labor union for public school teachers and education support staff in California. CTA is an affiliate of the National Education Association.
The California Teachers Association has a political action committee called the California Teachers Association Issues PAC, which makes contributions to ballot measure campaigns.
I FULLY appreciate the roles teachers play nowadays. Times have certainly changed from when I attended school. Issues such as drugs, discipline, sex, violence, shootings and gender care are now common topics and the list goes on and on. Admittedly, I am SO glad my kids are adults now and out of public schools. Critical Race Theory was just being introduced as they were graduating.
I do also appreciate Ms. Lozano and her advocacy for full transparency in our schools. The abuse she has endured during her last unsuccessful campaign was outrageous, petty and a clear example of bullying and abuse. No doubt the SBTA played a role in these dirty tricks which was reminiscent of a Teamster Goon Squad.
My issues are with the Union and their methodology. Using students in the form of a “Walkout” in order to gain benefit in collective bargaining is outrageous, disgusting and unethical. Seems to me that the last negotiations were slanted towards the Unions. The recent pay raises, far exceed that of the average worker and for 8 months of work!
Who is representing the taxpayers in these negotiations and are they sitting on opposite sides of the table? Is there a conflict of interest for the Union President to not work as a teacher as in other districts, but work full time as a Union Rep?
Is it fair to suggest the taxpayers are getting shorted less in the form of teachers salary concessions given our lower and dismal test scores? Is the District over burdened with high salaried administrators? Why are so many educators leaving the District? Many daunting questions to be sure.
Lastly, the recent law passing in Sacramento regarding parent notification for gender changes in students is the first of its kind.My view is this law is absolutely wrong, outrageous and hopefully overturned in the courts.
I feel for teachers that must navigate their way through this legal minefield. It is very unfortunate that our schools have now become ground zero for the cultural diversity revolution that we as a nation are now seeing.
Take another look at the 1950's move "Black Board Jungle" to appreciate what schools have long been asked to tolerate - for many of the same reasons: Family breakdowns post WWII, peer pressure celebrating the lowest common denominator, and lack of classroom discipline and administrative support.
My own experience with Calif K-12 in the 1950-60s was quite the opposite - they ran a tight ship and just the threat of being sent to the principal's office was enough to stop....... lobbing spit balls or chewing gum while in class. Today's classroom demands are 1000 more chaotic, and even encouraged by failed "progressive" education fantasies.
I never felt any educational deficiencies sitting in rows of desks, learning under the stern discipline of "sage on the stage" teachers who were still very able to demonstrate their own innate love for teaching. That is what came across most. That is where we got our educational basics, which prepared us later to develop critical thinking applications. That is also where we got positive adult role models.
My understanding is Union Officials and District Representatives are on the same side of the table. It would appear negotiations are conflicted and compromised, ie “it’s better to go along and get along, …the fix is in.” I guess the jokes on us!
I appreciate everything you wrote and I also appreciate your acknowledgement of the abuse and mistreatment I have received because of my stance. Many are afraid to take the stand because it hurts, but because I did, it was on display for all to see and it is shameful!
This abuse and mistreatment of people (myself, students, teachers, any peoples etc.) is probably one the of biggest evils we face today, and when we don’t stand up against that evil, and we are complicit by not taking action to stop it, it spreads like a raging fire which is the divisiveness of our culture. The way to beat a bully is to stand up to them, and when necessary fight!
Should you ever decide to run again for political office, you have my support. Too many times we are faced with doing the right thing versus making difficult decisions which may affect our livelihood.
This is especially true here locally as good jobs are scarce and competitive. People are afraid to take a stance for fear of losing their job.
Quite frankly and without getting overly political, things changed for many people last week, ie “if they can do this to him, what chance do I have?”
School districts are over-burdened with administrators, because the teachers unions over burden the district with minute and complicated state Education Code demands.
Takes an army of district administrators to stay on top of these every-changing Ed Code requirements, and avoid being on the wrong end of a teacher/staff union job action complaints. Pick up any one volume of the state Education Code at the County Law Library at the courthouse and see what I mean, or look them up online.
I can't stand our education in Santa Barbara. We had to move every year for 20 years because we can't afford to own a home and everyone kept selling their homes, even though they promised that they wouldn't. In all of those years I can say we visited almost every school district sadly. Teachers regularly pass students that should be failing. Have they ever failed a student? Maybe. Are they allowing children to graduate high school who can barely read, are unable to tell time on an analog clock, can't read cursive (let alone write cursive), and have no math skills past the 3rd or 5th grade levels? Yes. Yes they are.
I watched how my youngest was getting influenced by others in the classroom. She was turning into someone different. Someone who was depressed, someone who started to care more about social media and a cell phone than being who she really was. So I pulled her and homeschooled her through 12th grade. I couldn't stand to have any more of my children in that horrific environment.
Why is nobody ever held accountable in public service? I agree that this was a beautiful article and a very needed topic of discussion.
Well said. If education was so important to our government, we would hand out vouchers to parents and let the best schools be rewarded by the market place. But, sadly we have a government enforced monopoly that protects itself at all cost. As Christy Lozano has discovered, it’s difficult to change these institutions. But much gratitude she is trying.
Standing for the teacher UNIONS is very different from standing for teachers and for children's education. The sooner voters understand this critical difference, the better off the future of our children's education will be. Unions supporting only union members, is not the same thing as supporting our children's education.
Unions have a role to play, sitting on one side of the collective bargaining table. We want well-paid, quality teachers. That is not the issue. However today, teacher unions have gamed the system and now sit on both sides of the collective bargaining table. They learned to elect only those beholden to their own teacher union agenda for campaign support. Duplicitous yard signs are just one of their many ways that further this teacher UNION dominance.
Public support for our onetime exemplary California public education system was demonstrated when voters passed Prop 98 that perpetually guarantees 50% of state general revenues go automatically directly to support California's public education system. In return for passing the Prop 98 tax school funding guarantee, state residents now get a flailing #45 ranked K-12 education.
We can not and should not support what came after passing Prop 98 -- the growth of the now overly powerful "teachers UNIONS who destroyed our state's public education system from within; whose only demand is to keep ask for even more money. Teachers unions need to be sent back to sit on only one side of the bargaining table only, and not dominate local school boards with only those beholden only to the teacher UNION's failed public education outcomes in this state.
Bring back truly civic-minded independence to our local school boards. Support our children's education: not just the teachers UNIONS. We deserve far better than our current #45 rankings for the generosity voters showed when they passed Prop 98 guaranteed public education funding.
J, I hear what you are saying about unions and they had an important part in our history of righting wrongs but I have to say that I, and I may stand alone on this issue, do not believe that people that are government workers should have unions as it is a conflict of interest. Bargaining with public employee unions who have decision making authority over government policies take the power away from our elected representatives and gives it to the union officials.
I am not sure the unions have done exactly what was described in the “bill of goods they sold” when they were created. They soon realized they were a cash cow and bullied teachers into joining.
Monica, you raise the critical distinction. Private industry unions playing a role in worker protections is vastly different than the role now played by government employee public sector unions who spend only our tax dollars.
Private industry unions still technically sit on only one side of the bargaining table, bargain at arms length and are subject to the laws of the market place for products produced.
Teacher union interests can and do sit on both sides the bargaining table through school board elections and the election of the State Superintendent of Schools. Public education in California gets automatic tax dollar funding, regardless of product outcomes or quality.
Schools in this state are only controlled by the generalized laws of the ballot box, but only after sufficient numbers of voters finally realize "supporting the teachers unions" does not necessarily support the students, nor educational quality and successful student outcomes.
School accreditations have became increasingly feckless, and also subject to organized political pressures which has led to a loss of their prior value as independent educational quality controls.
What an important subject and good insight into the mess that we are having with our educational system here in Santa Barbara. Everyone, no matter if you have children in the schools or not, are all affected by the outcome of our country's young people. I came upon a book written in 1938 by the Educational Policies Commission called The Purposes of Education in American Society. I can only wonder what they would think if they saw the results of our American school system today. Thank you Christy for your ongoing battle to better our schools
I glanced at this book- truly the schools were doing then what they are doing now, the only real difference is the decay of society- in 1938 there was much more moral capital from our forefathers and now those souls would be shocked because they would have expected the opposite trajectory. Unfortunately, the materialist mindset created that document in a society in full swing of John Dewey's horrible educational "philosophy" - have a look at C.S. Lewis' 1944 essay The Parthenon and the Optative where he describes the two kinds of education, the old, which is well ordered, and the new, that is described in the 1938 book and from Lewis indictment of the new school, what we have now is exactly what was predicted by Lewis, but not at all by the hopefuls in 1938.
Excellent summation of local realities that are mirrored statewide. Our local school administrators want failed schools. Too many local andministrators are focused on keeping ridiculously high paid jobs to sit in an office distanced from classroom realities and taxpayer accountability, and hire their friends. Why any local teacher chooses to pay dues to the ineffective teachers union is baffling. Having attended some union meetings, I’ve observed their designated leader is unprepared, ignorant of issues, laws and codes, and consequently ineffective. He’s focused only on money but his audience has never studied CaliforniaTransparent to see the $150K-$250K annual compensation s for 9-10 months work. The SBTA didn’t even initiate negotiations with a lawyer or trained negotiator. What impressed me: some teacher attendees armed at meetings with spreadsheets and white papers for essential policy changes to enable them to teach their subject, and for the SBUSD to hire qualified teacher interns they have trained who are housed, are trained to address local district glaring disparities and goals, and are committed to improving instruction for ALL students. Discipline is the job description of administrators who fail! It’s beyond time to 1) terminate every other paper pushing District administrator; and 2) make it unlawful for public/ government employees — any worker paid at taxpayer expense — to be a union member. Professional, proven educators need to be treated as the pros they are! The County School Office needs its $1 Billion plus budget cut 80%, and new leadership.
K-14 Administrators have a chummy far left Club here in Santa Barbara that operates at the expense of taxpayers and students.
I am in agreement that public servants should not be allowed to join public sector unions. Unfortunately, in this state this is an impossibility. Why? Because the public sector unions OWN this state and its politicians. Very simple, if an elected official stands up to the unions, they get targeted for defeat in the next election.
I saw how unions operate first hand at UCSB. During negotiations, the SEIU would bring in the Teamsters by the bus loads! This in an effort to show some muscle and intimidate ANYONE who opposes them. It was not unheard of cars to be targeted for vandalism.
As for Ms. Lozano, I find it despicable that not only was she targeted, but her Christian faith was as well. I wonder, would Muslims ever be targeted? We already know Jews are commonly harassed by these same woke mobs.
Thank You for the article and bringing attention to current issues within our public school systems. I feel fortunate that my children completed their taxpayer-funded state-sponsored K-12 education 15 years ago. Even then, the social causes taught in our schools seem to be over the top, particularly in the lower grades (remember egg babies? save the whatever-flavor-of-the-day issue? (fish, forests, air, etc)). Our schools should focus on critical-thinking curriculum, such as biology, chemistry, math, as well as expand education for those interested in the trades, in order to prepare our children for their future. From what I see being taught in our schools over these past few years, I don't think I could send my children into such a system.
God Bless you for continuing to listen to your inner voice and staying in the fight for our children. Our communities and country need more heroes and heroines like Christy Lozano.
PS...my desire, universal school choice…and, abolish the Department of Education and begin anew with the public schools, leaving educational decisions at the local level with little or no monetary strings attached from a bureaucracy pushing curriculum requirements from far away office complexes.
I have often wondered why the American school system has its students in school until the average age of 18. One would think that by the age of 15 the student would have learned the basic principles and if so inclined could go on to some sort of trade school or other specialty school of their choice depending on their inclination. For too many years we have been taught that it is imperative to spend thousands of dollars to send our kids to college for higher learning, going into debt and a good portion of the time having the student come out no smarter than when they entered.
I reached the same conclusion. Mandatory public education, but only until the 10th grade. Then it is education by choice only, so those that still want to learn during their junior and senior years are not dragged down by those who have come to hate being in the classroom and drag down the learning for others. Teaching choices and consequences can never start too early.
Let those who have decided they are done with their high school education by the 10th grade have the freedom to pursue another path. Community colleges always have an open door when adults later in life want to pick up where they left off.
But why pay for students who have academically dropped out by the 10th grade but are forced to remain in the classroom until they finally graduate. Then later pay community colleges yet again when they decide in fact they do need that remedial education at a community college after all.
Let's not pay for 14 years of public education, just so a student can finally get a 12 year high school education. Mandatory high school only until the 10th grade- then it is a student's choice - always with the offer that remedial adult education is available at a local community colleges, but only when the student is ready and willing to attend on their own volition.
Depends on how much counter-productive control the teachers unions will continue to assert over public education, as it is formulated today. Was not that long ago less than 50% of our population had high school diplomas. Just going for better metrics on this one number, did not translate in more students getting a better education. Just more schools touting better graduation numbers.
Quoting Robespierre? One of the French Republicans who supported the reign of terror and all the atrocities committed against innocent peasants, nobles, and clergy? Not something one should do if they're a conservative.
Thank you for including the quote by Robespierre wherein he underscores the importance of education in promoting democracy, whereas tyranny thrives with ignorance. Inquiring, curious minds seeking education seek information from multiple sources. The same can be said of educating our children. My own education was not the result of just good teachers - even in the 1950-60's, not all were that good - it included parental involvement in my education. My father never finished the 8th grade, so imagine my surprise when he helped me with algebra! "How do you know that?" I asked him. "Well, school taught me to read, and once you can do that, you can learn anything. Just because I didn't attend school, doesn't mean I stopped learning." Parental involvement to the extreme would be my brother and his wife who "homeschooled" their children, who both graduated highschool at 15 and were bilingual (one in Mandarin the other in Swedish), even though their parents only speak English! Of course a good part of learning involves the development of 'critical thinking.' When you hear something new, question it's validity and give it a 'fact check' using a reliable, non-biased source (sorry, but SB Current does not qualify). Want to know what's wrong with the Democrat Party?Well, don't ask a Democrat to tell you! Want to know who won the 2020 election? Well, don't ask a MAGA Republican.
Mr. Siemsen, It is an unfortunate reality that you could not provide an adequate definition for the word "education" in its true meaning. There are 10 telltale signs of your deformation and misunderstanding about the nature of an authentic education in this single post, but I have read your other comments which demonstrate you to be a conditioned ideologue, not a man of letters or erudition. One of them is your silly "non-biased source" comment. I see that you just don't know what you don't know.
P.S. one more glaring sign, I will wait for the personal attack instead of a reasoned response- a brainwashed ideologue attacks the messenger, an educated human person responds to arguments. The topic here is "an adequate definition of an education" good luck!
What is the "true meaning of education"? You obviously have your own definition. I have always considered "education" to be the process of developing one's mind through the acquisition of skills and knowledge. Of course this will depend on what "skills" you are exposed to. The receptive mind of a skilled carpenter's son or daughter will lead to the acquisition of carpentry skills, the same can be said of the child of a mechanic or lawyer. Likewise, "knowledge" will depend on the "facts" you are exposed to, be it math, science, history, or current events. Consumers of only FOX News will not have the same world view as consumers of only BBC or CNN. For a thorough "education" one should be exposed to more than just one "official version" of the news or history. Exposure to the views and experiences of others also contribute to a well-rounded education. I knew nothing about "red-lining" until I married someone whose family was the victim of this racist practice. I did not know there was even such a thing as a homosexual until my cousin was beaten in school and kicked out of his parent's home at 16 in the 1960's. I was shocked even at a young age when my best friend couldn't attend another friend's birthday party "because he is a n----r." I was stunned as a cub scout in Lompoc when someone called my dear, sweet Den mother "a dirty greaser." This was all part of my "education." I learned that most ignorant people are by nature cruel. If someone is doing or saying something that is meant inflicts pain or injustice on another, they are ignorant, no matter how many degrees they possess, or how successful they are at business.
Whatever happened to the ditty we all leaned in the 1950's: sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me. Teaching how to deflect taunts is part of growing up.
Cute, but not true. Just ask the abused spouse whose husband has never struck her, but who constantly berates her by telling her she is ugly, stupid, and not worth a damn; or the shy kid who is teased and belittled to the point he goes home and hangs himself in the garage. No sticks! No stones! No names! Grow up and just try to be kind.
Stephen, I do agree pretty much with your meaning of "education" which has many forms as we learn from many life experiences. What I am not sure of is if you are saying that the public schools are the tool to teach our children the moral education. I believe that it is the family that should be the real moral compass to our children. At one time people had little reason to be concerned with what the teachers taught but now with the "diversity, equity, inclusion" motto that is a major part of the curriculum and the fact that some teacher's have a do-not-tell the parents policy for the student, that is not the case. The schools need to first return to the basic three "r's" and as stated by other commenters, as long as they have the ability to read and think for themselves the student cannot fail.
Truth, justice, and the 'American Way' is moral education. Teaching children that slavery was immoral, that the genocide and forced removal of Native Americans to take their land was immoral, that the extermination of Jews by the Nazis was immoral, that "Jim Crow" and the lynching of Black men who tried to vote is immoral - this is all "moral education." Not a single one of these conflicts with what I learned in 'Sunday School' (more morality training), or were not re-enforced by my parents at home. Posting the "10 Commandments" in a classroom no more teaches morality than the mandatory, rote recitation of a pledge teaches patriotism - especially for curious children who ask questions. My grandparents never said "the pledge" and they were patriots; my parents were forced to say it (and punished when they did not "speak English" in class) with an extended right arm in a fascist-like salute. In elementary school in Lompoc I was compelled to recite it each morning after the Jehovah's Witnesses in my class walked out of class (they considered it 'idolatry'). By 1969, now in high school, it was NEVER part of the school day. Now it's back, along with the "10 Commandments" in some states. Does anyone still remember when the "Lord's Prayer" preceded the pledge? I do. That did not make the muslim students in my class "Christians." My life's experiences have taught me that not everyone an American born German-speaking Lutheran. I have had to make room in my life not only for Baptists, Episcopalians, and Catholics, but also for Jews, Mormons, Muslims, and atheists. E Pluribus Unum - from many, we are one! Mexico's Zapotec President, Benito Juarez, summed it up thusly, "Respect for the rights of others is PEACE." When a teacher teaches something you disagree with, talk to your child about it "and set them straight" (as my father would say), don't reassemble the education system to promote your own version of reality, or morality.
Stephen, if the education system is broken, it needs to be fixed. You said a lot of words but I am not sure what the meaning of them is. You sound like you had an unhappy and confusing childhood and I am sorry for that but the fact remains that our educational system in this country is in bad shape and needs to be tended to.
Please, no need to feel sorry - I had a great childhood growing up on the central coast and later in Venice with loving parents. I do admit that at times I was confused when I was growing up by the inconsistencies and outright falsehoods I was being fed. "Why did those men blow up a church and kill those little girls, mom?" "Well, son, it is because they are Black, and some White people hate people who are not White." "Why are the police beating those people?" "Because they are Black and they want to vote." Well, "...with liberty and justice for all..." began to have a hollow ring after such episodes. I was confused, but still a happy kid whose parents had no problem with my Black and Mexican friends. I have heard many people say that the education system needs to be fixed. But, who is going to fix it, and how? Not everyone wants to go back to a segregated school where children are forced to participate in group prayers with others who do not share their confession, or faith.
I wasn't expecting that Mr. Siemsen, but I respect your thoughtfulness and thoroughness. I don't have my own definition, I speak of the Great Western Tradition flowing from that nexus point where Athens and Jerusalem meet. This education is a true and authentic education. What you call an "education" would deem an authentic education "patriarchal" and "racist." You would be wrong, but that wouldn't stop you. What you describe is the "current" understanding of an education, but this is just a politicized reduction of and hollowing out of what was the gold standard for an education.
Steven: What is “an adequate definition for the word "education" in its true meaning”? You target Stephen in your post: I’d like to know your definition of “education”. Maybe I should not consider myself both a formally educated and informally street educated person.
"Target" may be a bit strong, I think it more likely that "Stephen" has put his politicized ideological deformations on blast here often enough to demonstrate that combination of arrogant ignorance that is hallmark of a modern "education" and here at the Current, we want to have a true conversation on the ground of reality, that is just impossible with ideologues.
You are asking the right question in the wrong place. I have a talk a month ago at the Conservative Republicans of Santa Barbara and I spent 20 minutes giving the necessary introduction to an adequate definition of an authentic education. It is not my definition but the definition shared by the likes of Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Boethius, Thomas Aquinas, and many more true teachers. I make no claim to this amazing education myself, other than in the last 33 years I have learned why modern public education (1850 to the present) is no real education at all, if we can agree on the fact that words correspond to realities, which I know they do. The modern school says they don't.
If you would like to meet for an hour, I can tell you what I have learned from these amazing teachers about the nature of an authentic education.
Mr. Rummelsburg, thank you for clarifying what an "authentic education" really is! I now realise that I am UNauthentically educated and was lulled to believe that "all men (and also women) are created equal," and that "equal justice under law" applies to all of America's citizens. Reality has shown that this is NOT true. Based on the "racist and patriarchal" Great Western Tradition I am still learning that some rich, old, White men are ABOVE the law and far more "equal" than others. Your teacher Aristotle said, “For that some should rule and others be ruled is a thing not only necessary, but expedient; from the hour of their birth, some are marked out for subjection, others for rule” (Politics, 330 BC). HELLO! Aristotle was a LIAR! When Daniel Pastorius called for Germantown, Pennsylvania's ban on slavery in 1688, he declared "I would not be a slave, therefore, I will NOT be a master!" The fruits of the Great Western Tradition were colonialism, African slavery, and Jim Crow racism. Not much of a "gold standard" in my "politicized ideological deformed" eyes. Just sayin'...
You give an exemplary fruit of exactly what I explained. Ironic that you don't know it, but it is plain to see for anyone with common sense still in tact. I love the quotes, they add weight to your arrogant cluelessness- Aristotle is a liar? You are a better man than Aristotle? You know better than him? The very distinction between the truth and a lie is lost on you and those with your kind of "education." The rest is just red herrings and virtue signalizing from a neo-Marxist victimization ideology- not much of a gold standard indeed.
Interesting thread. Our huge local problem is our SBUSD Elementary Schools. SBUSD elementary student academic needs are ignored by administrators with no outcry from the greater community and 4 other elementary districts. SBUSD’s stated goal is to train polite, clean, kind / nice kids who can read at a third grade level to work in our local hospitality- tourist industry. With this our local SBUSD ‘Mission’, there’s no need to school these deprived students past 8th grade in academics. Rather, we need to develop and offer each multiple taxpaid vocational training opportunities. Trustee Dr. Bob Noel advocated improvements for decades to deaf admnistrators! Second class students are a sad but true reality. Involved parents and community members can make a difference in the education outcomes of local kids.
What qualifies as ‘authentically educated’? To me, an educated 18 year old is independent, can think, can analyze, can engage in conversation, challenge positions or propaganda, and is developing skills or their interests, or has developed some.
Robespierre was a horrid man who promoted the murder of the monarchy, especially Catholic peasants, nobles, and clergy.
"Vive le Roi! Mort à la révolution!"
Ironic that most people are ignorant of this fact and think the French Revolution and "democracy" are somehow good things, despite the former being a violent insurrection and the latter having a sordid history and incapable of holding onto objective moral values.
Good and important article Christy!!!
I cringe when I see those signs in people's yards. I know most teachers are good willed souls and they intend to help people. The practical reality is that many teachers do help people. The theoretical reality is that the public school is a soul death camp. I no longer support any teachers in the public schools, not because they are not nice people, but because they work in an institution that is charged with deforming our children, inculcating untruths, race ideology, identity politics, gender ideology, unnatural sex acts, political activism and now a soft political terrorism. Even if teachers don't "personally" support these things, it is their job to damage society as such. I imagine there must have been some some really nice and caring guards in the Nazi death camps, but I don't think that exonerates them in the eyes of history for the crimes of the Nazi's. Ignorance mitigates guilt, but it is increasingly obvious that the schools promote the culture of death and I can no longer respect a profession like this. I do not support Santa Barbara teachers anymore!
I agree Jonathan. We are the first line of defense, along with parents, to serve and protect children. When we don’t do that, we are complicit and allow the harm to happen. Criticized and disrespected as I have been by the teachers and the community, I would rather stand alone. I know I am not alone but there hasn’t been much “action” to support.
I share that experience with you Christy! From my first year I have not gone along with their program because I first asked the questions "what edifies a human soul?" and "what is the best kind of education for children?" The answers I found are diametrically opposed to what the schools ask us to do. It has been a war and it is a miracle that I have been in the classroom so long. What I do somehow stays between me and the families I serve. I know what you have been through and I applaud your virtue, especially your courage! Keep up the good fight!
Thank you, Christy. We are so lucky to have you in Santa Barbara. It doesn't help the state of public eduction that we have a governor who's openly antagonistic towards the rights of parents and who caters to the whims of the teachers' unions. I think a lot of current public education problems - the tragic decline in standards of learning, sexual misconduct, to name two - would be solved if there was a law that every politician in office had to send their own children to public schools.
Seeing the hoops that teachers must jump through in order to merely discipline and unruly student, the picture starts to become much clearer as to why our school system is in such a mess. The teachers unions that protect molesters of our children, need to be called out publicly, and some sanity needs to be re-introduced at the upper echelons of the department of education. The problem lies in the education of our teachers. They have been taught this drivel their entire lives, and therefore regurgitated to the next generation of teachers and political leaders. The Democrats have been brilliant in this strategy and patiently waited for this group to reach the upper echelons of society. As Barack once said, “we are the people we have been waiting for. “ It’s going to be a tall task to undo all of this, and I pray that the American people will someday see-through this sham and dismantle it.
Yes I agree Brian, they have played a looooong game! And we have to get into the game and battle hard and, like you said, undo the damage and retrain these minds to overcome and not sit in victimhood.
I know I’m not alone when I say that I really appreciate all the work you have put in and continue to put in. Keep spreading the word because things keep happening that make our point of view look more and more credible. Seems like common sense to us, but these kids that have grown up as I say, institutionalized, don’t know any better. They are Regurgitator not free thinkers.
Hello Brian, what you say is correct however I fear the on-going damage to our children
is not being addressed, instead institutionalized.
Howard Walther, member of a Military Family
I read this article by Ms. Lozana and I quote "Teacher Union Sexual Misconduct Protection proves Costly" "With the prevailing public perception that the union’s main purpose is increasing salaries for teachers, another underlying and sadly insidious function is the union’s continuing protection of those teachers who have been accused of sexual misconduct."
It is far worse than you all can imagine because sexual misconduct is rampant in Santa Barbara
and the teachers are our first line defense against mentally disturbed children or young adults
who committed heinous crimes like School Shootings, and who are sexually abused.
Was their a defeated School Shooter in Santa Barbara? Did people risk thier lifes to "Detect the Threat"
You all should thank God that there are people here, and not the locals, that are protecting your community day by day and hour by hour. Forget about your So-Called-Local Leaders.
Howard Walther, member of a Miltiary Family.
PS - The New Title should read "We Stand With Those That Actually Protect Our Children and it is not the So-Called-Leaders of Santa Barbara"
Agreed Howard!
Howard: Who protects our students? Teachers in the classroom from my local experience.
Easy to remember the plague times, when the teachers abandoned the classrooms from fear of contagion from children. They have doomed a generation to a disrupted education that has the consequences of inability to concentrate, obsession with TikTok, and rejection of authority. IF they taught at all it was online, to "Zoom" meetings that children were not required to turn on their cameras for, so the "teachers" never knew if they were actually speaking to anyone. And after that betrayal they ask for more wages. I say if and when the test scores show their students back up to the expected grade proficiency, THEN we can consider the question of their wages.
Do you have kids in the SB system?
Santa Barbara Teachers Association = a teachers UNION.
Why do they hide behind this more benign SBTA title?
If someone would like to know who is pulling the strings nationally for teachers, look no further than radical and activist Randi Weingarten, AFT President. Yes, their members have a vested interest in restricting choice for children and their parents. Funny, I thought they were the party of choice? Anyway, it’s not about math, reading, writing and history. No, it’s more about indoctrination, gender studies, environmental justice and DEI.
Hopefully one of Trump’s first executive orders should be to abolish the DoE and open up the process to school choice. I certainly support his promise to restrict federal funds to school districts who require masks and vaccines. And secondly, to keep men out of women’s sports!
Actually, I’m excited about the future of education in this country!
CTA (SBTA) is affiliated with the NEA- National Education Association, not the AFT.
However, your information about the second largest national teachers union operation- Randi Weingarten's AFT - is correct.
$800 billion in tax dollars spent on public education nationwide every year is big money. Many operations want their hands on it. The educational industrial complex lost it way years ago with that much money on the table .What they have done to the education of our young people in return, particularly in California is shocking.
Trial court in Vegara vs LAUSD even concluded their union bargained for policies denied students their constitutional rights to a quality education. Specific reform steps were included in the ruling. However, with Gov Newsom's and the LAUSD teacher union help that trial court ruling and reform mandates were over-turned on appeal.
It has become very dangerous to continue supporting" teacher union PAC endorsed" school board candidates in this state.
I agree 1000% Joan.
From Ballotpedia:
California Teachers Association (CTA) Local affiliate: SBTA
National Affiliation: National Education Association (NEA)
The California Teachers Association (CTA) is a labor union for public school teachers and education support staff in California. CTA is an affiliate of the National Education Association.
The California Teachers Association has a political action committee called the California Teachers Association Issues PAC, which makes contributions to ballot measure campaigns.
I FULLY appreciate the roles teachers play nowadays. Times have certainly changed from when I attended school. Issues such as drugs, discipline, sex, violence, shootings and gender care are now common topics and the list goes on and on. Admittedly, I am SO glad my kids are adults now and out of public schools. Critical Race Theory was just being introduced as they were graduating.
I do also appreciate Ms. Lozano and her advocacy for full transparency in our schools. The abuse she has endured during her last unsuccessful campaign was outrageous, petty and a clear example of bullying and abuse. No doubt the SBTA played a role in these dirty tricks which was reminiscent of a Teamster Goon Squad.
My issues are with the Union and their methodology. Using students in the form of a “Walkout” in order to gain benefit in collective bargaining is outrageous, disgusting and unethical. Seems to me that the last negotiations were slanted towards the Unions. The recent pay raises, far exceed that of the average worker and for 8 months of work!
Who is representing the taxpayers in these negotiations and are they sitting on opposite sides of the table? Is there a conflict of interest for the Union President to not work as a teacher as in other districts, but work full time as a Union Rep?
Is it fair to suggest the taxpayers are getting shorted less in the form of teachers salary concessions given our lower and dismal test scores? Is the District over burdened with high salaried administrators? Why are so many educators leaving the District? Many daunting questions to be sure.
Lastly, the recent law passing in Sacramento regarding parent notification for gender changes in students is the first of its kind.My view is this law is absolutely wrong, outrageous and hopefully overturned in the courts.
I feel for teachers that must navigate their way through this legal minefield. It is very unfortunate that our schools have now become ground zero for the cultural diversity revolution that we as a nation are now seeing.
Take another look at the 1950's move "Black Board Jungle" to appreciate what schools have long been asked to tolerate - for many of the same reasons: Family breakdowns post WWII, peer pressure celebrating the lowest common denominator, and lack of classroom discipline and administrative support.
My own experience with Calif K-12 in the 1950-60s was quite the opposite - they ran a tight ship and just the threat of being sent to the principal's office was enough to stop....... lobbing spit balls or chewing gum while in class. Today's classroom demands are 1000 more chaotic, and even encouraged by failed "progressive" education fantasies.
I never felt any educational deficiencies sitting in rows of desks, learning under the stern discipline of "sage on the stage" teachers who were still very able to demonstrate their own innate love for teaching. That is what came across most. That is where we got our educational basics, which prepared us later to develop critical thinking applications. That is also where we got positive adult role models.
LT -Great Question: “Who is representing the taxpayers in these negotiations and are they sitting on opposite sides of the table?”
My understanding is Union Officials and District Representatives are on the same side of the table. It would appear negotiations are conflicted and compromised, ie “it’s better to go along and get along, …the fix is in.” I guess the jokes on us!
I appreciate everything you wrote and I also appreciate your acknowledgement of the abuse and mistreatment I have received because of my stance. Many are afraid to take the stand because it hurts, but because I did, it was on display for all to see and it is shameful!
This abuse and mistreatment of people (myself, students, teachers, any peoples etc.) is probably one the of biggest evils we face today, and when we don’t stand up against that evil, and we are complicit by not taking action to stop it, it spreads like a raging fire which is the divisiveness of our culture. The way to beat a bully is to stand up to them, and when necessary fight!
Christy,
Should you ever decide to run again for political office, you have my support. Too many times we are faced with doing the right thing versus making difficult decisions which may affect our livelihood.
This is especially true here locally as good jobs are scarce and competitive. People are afraid to take a stance for fear of losing their job.
Quite frankly and without getting overly political, things changed for many people last week, ie “if they can do this to him, what chance do I have?”
The time for sitting on our hands is over!
School districts are over-burdened with administrators, because the teachers unions over burden the district with minute and complicated state Education Code demands.
Takes an army of district administrators to stay on top of these every-changing Ed Code requirements, and avoid being on the wrong end of a teacher/staff union job action complaints. Pick up any one volume of the state Education Code at the County Law Library at the courthouse and see what I mean, or look them up online.
I can't stand our education in Santa Barbara. We had to move every year for 20 years because we can't afford to own a home and everyone kept selling their homes, even though they promised that they wouldn't. In all of those years I can say we visited almost every school district sadly. Teachers regularly pass students that should be failing. Have they ever failed a student? Maybe. Are they allowing children to graduate high school who can barely read, are unable to tell time on an analog clock, can't read cursive (let alone write cursive), and have no math skills past the 3rd or 5th grade levels? Yes. Yes they are.
I watched how my youngest was getting influenced by others in the classroom. She was turning into someone different. Someone who was depressed, someone who started to care more about social media and a cell phone than being who she really was. So I pulled her and homeschooled her through 12th grade. I couldn't stand to have any more of my children in that horrific environment.
Why is nobody ever held accountable in public service? I agree that this was a beautiful article and a very needed topic of discussion.
Well said. If education was so important to our government, we would hand out vouchers to parents and let the best schools be rewarded by the market place. But, sadly we have a government enforced monopoly that protects itself at all cost. As Christy Lozano has discovered, it’s difficult to change these institutions. But much gratitude she is trying.
Standing for the teacher UNIONS is very different from standing for teachers and for children's education. The sooner voters understand this critical difference, the better off the future of our children's education will be. Unions supporting only union members, is not the same thing as supporting our children's education.
Unions have a role to play, sitting on one side of the collective bargaining table. We want well-paid, quality teachers. That is not the issue. However today, teacher unions have gamed the system and now sit on both sides of the collective bargaining table. They learned to elect only those beholden to their own teacher union agenda for campaign support. Duplicitous yard signs are just one of their many ways that further this teacher UNION dominance.
Public support for our onetime exemplary California public education system was demonstrated when voters passed Prop 98 that perpetually guarantees 50% of state general revenues go automatically directly to support California's public education system. In return for passing the Prop 98 tax school funding guarantee, state residents now get a flailing #45 ranked K-12 education.
We can not and should not support what came after passing Prop 98 -- the growth of the now overly powerful "teachers UNIONS who destroyed our state's public education system from within; whose only demand is to keep ask for even more money. Teachers unions need to be sent back to sit on only one side of the bargaining table only, and not dominate local school boards with only those beholden only to the teacher UNION's failed public education outcomes in this state.
Bring back truly civic-minded independence to our local school boards. Support our children's education: not just the teachers UNIONS. We deserve far better than our current #45 rankings for the generosity voters showed when they passed Prop 98 guaranteed public education funding.
J, I hear what you are saying about unions and they had an important part in our history of righting wrongs but I have to say that I, and I may stand alone on this issue, do not believe that people that are government workers should have unions as it is a conflict of interest. Bargaining with public employee unions who have decision making authority over government policies take the power away from our elected representatives and gives it to the union officials.
I am not sure the unions have done exactly what was described in the “bill of goods they sold” when they were created. They soon realized they were a cash cow and bullied teachers into joining.
Monica, you raise the critical distinction. Private industry unions playing a role in worker protections is vastly different than the role now played by government employee public sector unions who spend only our tax dollars.
Private industry unions still technically sit on only one side of the bargaining table, bargain at arms length and are subject to the laws of the market place for products produced.
Teacher union interests can and do sit on both sides the bargaining table through school board elections and the election of the State Superintendent of Schools. Public education in California gets automatic tax dollar funding, regardless of product outcomes or quality.
Schools in this state are only controlled by the generalized laws of the ballot box, but only after sufficient numbers of voters finally realize "supporting the teachers unions" does not necessarily support the students, nor educational quality and successful student outcomes.
School accreditations have became increasingly feckless, and also subject to organized political pressures which has led to a loss of their prior value as independent educational quality controls.
What an important subject and good insight into the mess that we are having with our educational system here in Santa Barbara. Everyone, no matter if you have children in the schools or not, are all affected by the outcome of our country's young people. I came upon a book written in 1938 by the Educational Policies Commission called The Purposes of Education in American Society. I can only wonder what they would think if they saw the results of our American school system today. Thank you Christy for your ongoing battle to better our schools
I glanced at this book- truly the schools were doing then what they are doing now, the only real difference is the decay of society- in 1938 there was much more moral capital from our forefathers and now those souls would be shocked because they would have expected the opposite trajectory. Unfortunately, the materialist mindset created that document in a society in full swing of John Dewey's horrible educational "philosophy" - have a look at C.S. Lewis' 1944 essay The Parthenon and the Optative where he describes the two kinds of education, the old, which is well ordered, and the new, that is described in the 1938 book and from Lewis indictment of the new school, what we have now is exactly what was predicted by Lewis, but not at all by the hopefuls in 1938.
Excellent summation of local realities that are mirrored statewide. Our local school administrators want failed schools. Too many local andministrators are focused on keeping ridiculously high paid jobs to sit in an office distanced from classroom realities and taxpayer accountability, and hire their friends. Why any local teacher chooses to pay dues to the ineffective teachers union is baffling. Having attended some union meetings, I’ve observed their designated leader is unprepared, ignorant of issues, laws and codes, and consequently ineffective. He’s focused only on money but his audience has never studied CaliforniaTransparent to see the $150K-$250K annual compensation s for 9-10 months work. The SBTA didn’t even initiate negotiations with a lawyer or trained negotiator. What impressed me: some teacher attendees armed at meetings with spreadsheets and white papers for essential policy changes to enable them to teach their subject, and for the SBUSD to hire qualified teacher interns they have trained who are housed, are trained to address local district glaring disparities and goals, and are committed to improving instruction for ALL students. Discipline is the job description of administrators who fail! It’s beyond time to 1) terminate every other paper pushing District administrator; and 2) make it unlawful for public/ government employees — any worker paid at taxpayer expense — to be a union member. Professional, proven educators need to be treated as the pros they are! The County School Office needs its $1 Billion plus budget cut 80%, and new leadership.
K-14 Administrators have a chummy far left Club here in Santa Barbara that operates at the expense of taxpayers and students.
I am in agreement that public servants should not be allowed to join public sector unions. Unfortunately, in this state this is an impossibility. Why? Because the public sector unions OWN this state and its politicians. Very simple, if an elected official stands up to the unions, they get targeted for defeat in the next election.
I saw how unions operate first hand at UCSB. During negotiations, the SEIU would bring in the Teamsters by the bus loads! This in an effort to show some muscle and intimidate ANYONE who opposes them. It was not unheard of cars to be targeted for vandalism.
As for Ms. Lozano, I find it despicable that not only was she targeted, but her Christian faith was as well. I wonder, would Muslims ever be targeted? We already know Jews are commonly harassed by these same woke mobs.
Thank You for the article and bringing attention to current issues within our public school systems. I feel fortunate that my children completed their taxpayer-funded state-sponsored K-12 education 15 years ago. Even then, the social causes taught in our schools seem to be over the top, particularly in the lower grades (remember egg babies? save the whatever-flavor-of-the-day issue? (fish, forests, air, etc)). Our schools should focus on critical-thinking curriculum, such as biology, chemistry, math, as well as expand education for those interested in the trades, in order to prepare our children for their future. From what I see being taught in our schools over these past few years, I don't think I could send my children into such a system.
God Bless you for continuing to listen to your inner voice and staying in the fight for our children. Our communities and country need more heroes and heroines like Christy Lozano.
PS...my desire, universal school choice…and, abolish the Department of Education and begin anew with the public schools, leaving educational decisions at the local level with little or no monetary strings attached from a bureaucracy pushing curriculum requirements from far away office complexes.
I have often wondered why the American school system has its students in school until the average age of 18. One would think that by the age of 15 the student would have learned the basic principles and if so inclined could go on to some sort of trade school or other specialty school of their choice depending on their inclination. For too many years we have been taught that it is imperative to spend thousands of dollars to send our kids to college for higher learning, going into debt and a good portion of the time having the student come out no smarter than when they entered.
I reached the same conclusion. Mandatory public education, but only until the 10th grade. Then it is education by choice only, so those that still want to learn during their junior and senior years are not dragged down by those who have come to hate being in the classroom and drag down the learning for others. Teaching choices and consequences can never start too early.
Let those who have decided they are done with their high school education by the 10th grade have the freedom to pursue another path. Community colleges always have an open door when adults later in life want to pick up where they left off.
But why pay for students who have academically dropped out by the 10th grade but are forced to remain in the classroom until they finally graduate. Then later pay community colleges yet again when they decide in fact they do need that remedial education at a community college after all.
Let's not pay for 14 years of public education, just so a student can finally get a 12 year high school education. Mandatory high school only until the 10th grade- then it is a student's choice - always with the offer that remedial adult education is available at a local community colleges, but only when the student is ready and willing to attend on their own volition.
Well said. J. I wonder if it would ever happen.
Depends on how much counter-productive control the teachers unions will continue to assert over public education, as it is formulated today. Was not that long ago less than 50% of our population had high school diplomas. Just going for better metrics on this one number, did not translate in more students getting a better education. Just more schools touting better graduation numbers.
Quoting Robespierre? One of the French Republicans who supported the reign of terror and all the atrocities committed against innocent peasants, nobles, and clergy? Not something one should do if they're a conservative.
Thank you for including the quote by Robespierre wherein he underscores the importance of education in promoting democracy, whereas tyranny thrives with ignorance. Inquiring, curious minds seeking education seek information from multiple sources. The same can be said of educating our children. My own education was not the result of just good teachers - even in the 1950-60's, not all were that good - it included parental involvement in my education. My father never finished the 8th grade, so imagine my surprise when he helped me with algebra! "How do you know that?" I asked him. "Well, school taught me to read, and once you can do that, you can learn anything. Just because I didn't attend school, doesn't mean I stopped learning." Parental involvement to the extreme would be my brother and his wife who "homeschooled" their children, who both graduated highschool at 15 and were bilingual (one in Mandarin the other in Swedish), even though their parents only speak English! Of course a good part of learning involves the development of 'critical thinking.' When you hear something new, question it's validity and give it a 'fact check' using a reliable, non-biased source (sorry, but SB Current does not qualify). Want to know what's wrong with the Democrat Party?Well, don't ask a Democrat to tell you! Want to know who won the 2020 election? Well, don't ask a MAGA Republican.
Mr. Siemsen, It is an unfortunate reality that you could not provide an adequate definition for the word "education" in its true meaning. There are 10 telltale signs of your deformation and misunderstanding about the nature of an authentic education in this single post, but I have read your other comments which demonstrate you to be a conditioned ideologue, not a man of letters or erudition. One of them is your silly "non-biased source" comment. I see that you just don't know what you don't know.
P.S. one more glaring sign, I will wait for the personal attack instead of a reasoned response- a brainwashed ideologue attacks the messenger, an educated human person responds to arguments. The topic here is "an adequate definition of an education" good luck!
What is the "true meaning of education"? You obviously have your own definition. I have always considered "education" to be the process of developing one's mind through the acquisition of skills and knowledge. Of course this will depend on what "skills" you are exposed to. The receptive mind of a skilled carpenter's son or daughter will lead to the acquisition of carpentry skills, the same can be said of the child of a mechanic or lawyer. Likewise, "knowledge" will depend on the "facts" you are exposed to, be it math, science, history, or current events. Consumers of only FOX News will not have the same world view as consumers of only BBC or CNN. For a thorough "education" one should be exposed to more than just one "official version" of the news or history. Exposure to the views and experiences of others also contribute to a well-rounded education. I knew nothing about "red-lining" until I married someone whose family was the victim of this racist practice. I did not know there was even such a thing as a homosexual until my cousin was beaten in school and kicked out of his parent's home at 16 in the 1960's. I was shocked even at a young age when my best friend couldn't attend another friend's birthday party "because he is a n----r." I was stunned as a cub scout in Lompoc when someone called my dear, sweet Den mother "a dirty greaser." This was all part of my "education." I learned that most ignorant people are by nature cruel. If someone is doing or saying something that is meant inflicts pain or injustice on another, they are ignorant, no matter how many degrees they possess, or how successful they are at business.
Whatever happened to the ditty we all leaned in the 1950's: sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me. Teaching how to deflect taunts is part of growing up.
Cute, but not true. Just ask the abused spouse whose husband has never struck her, but who constantly berates her by telling her she is ugly, stupid, and not worth a damn; or the shy kid who is teased and belittled to the point he goes home and hangs himself in the garage. No sticks! No stones! No names! Grow up and just try to be kind.
Cute and true. What you are talking about goes well beyond teaching early social skills. As Ron Burgundy said: that sure escalated.
Stephen, I do agree pretty much with your meaning of "education" which has many forms as we learn from many life experiences. What I am not sure of is if you are saying that the public schools are the tool to teach our children the moral education. I believe that it is the family that should be the real moral compass to our children. At one time people had little reason to be concerned with what the teachers taught but now with the "diversity, equity, inclusion" motto that is a major part of the curriculum and the fact that some teacher's have a do-not-tell the parents policy for the student, that is not the case. The schools need to first return to the basic three "r's" and as stated by other commenters, as long as they have the ability to read and think for themselves the student cannot fail.
Truth, justice, and the 'American Way' is moral education. Teaching children that slavery was immoral, that the genocide and forced removal of Native Americans to take their land was immoral, that the extermination of Jews by the Nazis was immoral, that "Jim Crow" and the lynching of Black men who tried to vote is immoral - this is all "moral education." Not a single one of these conflicts with what I learned in 'Sunday School' (more morality training), or were not re-enforced by my parents at home. Posting the "10 Commandments" in a classroom no more teaches morality than the mandatory, rote recitation of a pledge teaches patriotism - especially for curious children who ask questions. My grandparents never said "the pledge" and they were patriots; my parents were forced to say it (and punished when they did not "speak English" in class) with an extended right arm in a fascist-like salute. In elementary school in Lompoc I was compelled to recite it each morning after the Jehovah's Witnesses in my class walked out of class (they considered it 'idolatry'). By 1969, now in high school, it was NEVER part of the school day. Now it's back, along with the "10 Commandments" in some states. Does anyone still remember when the "Lord's Prayer" preceded the pledge? I do. That did not make the muslim students in my class "Christians." My life's experiences have taught me that not everyone an American born German-speaking Lutheran. I have had to make room in my life not only for Baptists, Episcopalians, and Catholics, but also for Jews, Mormons, Muslims, and atheists. E Pluribus Unum - from many, we are one! Mexico's Zapotec President, Benito Juarez, summed it up thusly, "Respect for the rights of others is PEACE." When a teacher teaches something you disagree with, talk to your child about it "and set them straight" (as my father would say), don't reassemble the education system to promote your own version of reality, or morality.
Stephen, if the education system is broken, it needs to be fixed. You said a lot of words but I am not sure what the meaning of them is. You sound like you had an unhappy and confusing childhood and I am sorry for that but the fact remains that our educational system in this country is in bad shape and needs to be tended to.
Please, no need to feel sorry - I had a great childhood growing up on the central coast and later in Venice with loving parents. I do admit that at times I was confused when I was growing up by the inconsistencies and outright falsehoods I was being fed. "Why did those men blow up a church and kill those little girls, mom?" "Well, son, it is because they are Black, and some White people hate people who are not White." "Why are the police beating those people?" "Because they are Black and they want to vote." Well, "...with liberty and justice for all..." began to have a hollow ring after such episodes. I was confused, but still a happy kid whose parents had no problem with my Black and Mexican friends. I have heard many people say that the education system needs to be fixed. But, who is going to fix it, and how? Not everyone wants to go back to a segregated school where children are forced to participate in group prayers with others who do not share their confession, or faith.
I wasn't expecting that Mr. Siemsen, but I respect your thoughtfulness and thoroughness. I don't have my own definition, I speak of the Great Western Tradition flowing from that nexus point where Athens and Jerusalem meet. This education is a true and authentic education. What you call an "education" would deem an authentic education "patriarchal" and "racist." You would be wrong, but that wouldn't stop you. What you describe is the "current" understanding of an education, but this is just a politicized reduction of and hollowing out of what was the gold standard for an education.
Well done!
Steven: What is “an adequate definition for the word "education" in its true meaning”? You target Stephen in your post: I’d like to know your definition of “education”. Maybe I should not consider myself both a formally educated and informally street educated person.
HI Montecito,
"Target" may be a bit strong, I think it more likely that "Stephen" has put his politicized ideological deformations on blast here often enough to demonstrate that combination of arrogant ignorance that is hallmark of a modern "education" and here at the Current, we want to have a true conversation on the ground of reality, that is just impossible with ideologues.
You are asking the right question in the wrong place. I have a talk a month ago at the Conservative Republicans of Santa Barbara and I spent 20 minutes giving the necessary introduction to an adequate definition of an authentic education. It is not my definition but the definition shared by the likes of Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Boethius, Thomas Aquinas, and many more true teachers. I make no claim to this amazing education myself, other than in the last 33 years I have learned why modern public education (1850 to the present) is no real education at all, if we can agree on the fact that words correspond to realities, which I know they do. The modern school says they don't.
If you would like to meet for an hour, I can tell you what I have learned from these amazing teachers about the nature of an authentic education.
Mr. Rummelsburg, thank you for clarifying what an "authentic education" really is! I now realise that I am UNauthentically educated and was lulled to believe that "all men (and also women) are created equal," and that "equal justice under law" applies to all of America's citizens. Reality has shown that this is NOT true. Based on the "racist and patriarchal" Great Western Tradition I am still learning that some rich, old, White men are ABOVE the law and far more "equal" than others. Your teacher Aristotle said, “For that some should rule and others be ruled is a thing not only necessary, but expedient; from the hour of their birth, some are marked out for subjection, others for rule” (Politics, 330 BC). HELLO! Aristotle was a LIAR! When Daniel Pastorius called for Germantown, Pennsylvania's ban on slavery in 1688, he declared "I would not be a slave, therefore, I will NOT be a master!" The fruits of the Great Western Tradition were colonialism, African slavery, and Jim Crow racism. Not much of a "gold standard" in my "politicized ideological deformed" eyes. Just sayin'...
Mr. Siemsen,
You give an exemplary fruit of exactly what I explained. Ironic that you don't know it, but it is plain to see for anyone with common sense still in tact. I love the quotes, they add weight to your arrogant cluelessness- Aristotle is a liar? You are a better man than Aristotle? You know better than him? The very distinction between the truth and a lie is lost on you and those with your kind of "education." The rest is just red herrings and virtue signalizing from a neo-Marxist victimization ideology- not much of a gold standard indeed.
Are you a master or a slave Mr. Siemsen?
Interesting thread. Our huge local problem is our SBUSD Elementary Schools. SBUSD elementary student academic needs are ignored by administrators with no outcry from the greater community and 4 other elementary districts. SBUSD’s stated goal is to train polite, clean, kind / nice kids who can read at a third grade level to work in our local hospitality- tourist industry. With this our local SBUSD ‘Mission’, there’s no need to school these deprived students past 8th grade in academics. Rather, we need to develop and offer each multiple taxpaid vocational training opportunities. Trustee Dr. Bob Noel advocated improvements for decades to deaf admnistrators! Second class students are a sad but true reality. Involved parents and community members can make a difference in the education outcomes of local kids.
What qualifies as ‘authentically educated’? To me, an educated 18 year old is independent, can think, can analyze, can engage in conversation, challenge positions or propaganda, and is developing skills or their interests, or has developed some.
Lever dod as Slav.
Robespierre was a horrid man who promoted the murder of the monarchy, especially Catholic peasants, nobles, and clergy.
"Vive le Roi! Mort à la révolution!"
Ironic that most people are ignorant of this fact and think the French Revolution and "democracy" are somehow good things, despite the former being a violent insurrection and the latter having a sordid history and incapable of holding onto objective moral values.