I read this in the Bergen Record online during last week's seventh anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. While it is not directly related to reading curriculum per se, it is a curriculum issue that families of 9-11 victims want to be taught in all classes nationwide.
http://www.northjersey.com/education/Sept_11_memorial_to_launch_curriculum_effort_.html
I for one would be willing for the curriculum to be implemented. You just have to address the issue where some kids, especially ones in the tri-state area have been affected greatly (maybe even some lost a parent), have to be allowed to express feelings prior to actually implementing a curriculum like that full-tilt.
For younger kids who may not have been alive in 2001, I don't think the issue would be as great, but I know in Ridgewood public schools last Thursday, they didn't utilize Channel One during homeroom just so kids who were affected wouldn't have to rehash the tragedy during school. Several kids at my wife's school had parents killed in the World Trade Center so it is a sensitive issue when trying to assess what type of curriculum could be deemed as inappropriate for kids when it's not blatanly inappropriate. This is a recent historical event after all.
Thoughs from anyone?
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Todd,
Very interesting that you posted an article on the tragic events that occurred on September 11th. I'm a history teacher in Bergen County and for the past 4 years I have been teaching/talking about 9/11 on every September 11th. I am shocked every year at how our school, and probably some of yours, fail to acknowledge and teach about the events on that day.
In years past, students have read articles discussing the events, but this year I decided to hold an open forum for discussion about that day. Surprisingly, the students were very eager to discuss their opinions on America, terrorism, etc. Unfortunately, a few of my students had close relatives killed in the WTC, but they were still willing to share their stories with the class.
I think that all students should be taught about the events on 9/11 as long as it is done in a tasteful way. For example, if a student explains that they feel uncomfortable discussing 9/11, then they should not feel pressured into doing so.
Who knows how much time should pass before it becomes "right" to start discussing it.....
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