By Design

[Kathianne]

When one looks at where the country is and appears to be going, first blame schools. Here's what College students know about civics. This is by design:
Lots more info at site

https://www.thecollegefix.com/college-students-lack-rudimentary-knowledge-of-history-civics-survey/


College students lack ‘rudimentary’ knowledge of history, civics: surveyJanae Joachim - Liberty University •August 16, 2024
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Report asked students about Senate term lengths, Gettysburg Address, U.S. Constitution


College students lack a “rudimentary grasp” of American history and government, as displayed in a civic literacy assessment recently conducted by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni.


The 35-question survey, “Losing America’s Memory 2.0,” asked more than 3,000 students from all 50 states questions about history and government, including Senate term lengths and a quote from the Gettysburg Address, according to ACTA. The survey was conducted in June by College Pulse.


“It seems that many students are completely tuned out to politics, lacking the knowledge to participate effectively,” ACTA’s Vice President for Policy Bradley Jackson told The College Fix in a recent email. “In a democracy, that is a recipe for disaster.”


When asked who is the current president of the U.S. Senate, only 27 percent of students were able to correctly identify Kamala Harris, and over a quarter thought it was President Joe Biden.


Many students were unaware of the six-year length of a U.S. Senate term. Almost a third (31 percent) thought it was a four-year term. Likewise, nearly a fifth (19 percent) incorrectly said representatives to the U.S. House serve a four-year term; they serve two years.


Jackson said he was particularly concerned by another finding: that only 23 percent of students could identify the Gettysburg Address as the source of the quote, “government of the people, by the people, for the people.”


“If the people no longer care to understand their government, if they are ignorant of its history and its institutions, a government like ours cannot long stand, according to America’s Founders and later heroes like Lincoln,” Jackson told The Fix.


Additionally, 37 percent of the students correctly identified the current chief justice of the Supreme Court, but 32 percent responded they were “not sure.” Less than one-third (31 percent) were able to identify James Madison as the Father of the Constitution, with almost half (44 percent) incorrectly responding with Thomas Jefferson.


Historian and Hillsdale College Professor Wilfred McClay told The Fix in a recent email he was both “appalled and saddened” by another finding from the survey that found 57 percent of students would flee the country rather than stay and fight in the case of an invasion.






“This reflects a social malady, a sickness of the soul, that runs deeper than just a lack of knowledge,” McClay said. “But one of the best ways to begin combatting that malady is by rededicating ourselves to a proper civic and historical education.”


One of ACTA’s goals is to have universities require students take a course on U.S. history and government to complete their degree. Currently, fewer than 20 percent of colleges nationwide require this, Jackson said.


In addition to these courses, Jackson said an education in proper debate is necessary for America’s youth. Programs that train students to have “empathy, tenacity, and mental agility” for conversations with people who share different views are just as critical as ideological or political knowledge, he said.


Although the K-12 education system has contributed significantly to the problem, it has not acted alone, the scholars told The Fix. Both Jackson and McClay blamed the traditional media and entertainment culture for prioritizing reality television and fandom over informed citizenship.


“The problem really begins in primary and secondary education, including the textbooks used in those schools, and is dramatically reinforced by a popular culture that accepts and echoes the worst mischaracterizations of the American experience,” McClay said.


But ACTA leaders stated in a news release these negative results can be turned around if America’s institutions act now by playing a positive role in the civic education of young adults.

[Gunny]

When one looks at where the country is and appears to be going, first blame schools. Here's what College students know about civics. This is by design:
Lots more info at site

https://www.thecollegefix.com/college-students-lack-rudimentary-knowledge-of-history-civics-survey/When I was in HS, government/civics was basically on the periphery of my brain. I caught headlines but had very little interest.

Where I went to school at the time, government replaced history junior year. No pass, no diploma. So even though my interest was lacking, I learned the mechanics because NOBODY wanted to go summer school in S FL:laugh:

I recall having a conversation once with my ex-SIL's son. WWII was started because German submarines were searching for treasure and sunk and American ship:laugh2: Nope. Didn't even bother :)

[Kathianne]

When I was in HS, government/civics was basically on the periphery of my brain. I caught headlines but had very little interest.

Where I went to school at the time, government replaced history junior year. No pass, no diploma. So even though my interest was lacking, I learned the mechanics because NOBODY wanted to go summer school in S FL:laugh:

I recall having a conversation once with my ex-SIL's son. WWII was started because German submarines were searching for treasure and sunk and American ship:laugh2: Nope. Didn't even bother :)

I got to say, both my elementary and high school programs were I now recognize, exceptional. Early years were private, high school public. Teaching in the same area, I will say that the idea of dumbing down civics was not going to fly.

[Kathianne]

I know I've said this before, but credit where do. IL at least until 2010, required a 70% or better score on both IL and Federal Constitution Tests-separate tests. No certificate or diploma without those passes.

Most likely reasons for students failing or dropping out? Gym courses and Constitution pass.

[Gunny]

I know I've said this before, but credit where do. IL at least until 2010, required a 70% or better score on both IL and Federal Constitution Tests-separate tests. No certificate or diploma without those passes.

Most likely reasons for students failing or dropping out? Gym courses and Constitution pass.Constitution pass? Not familiar with that.

"By design": Malignant design? Or changing importance in society?

To the latter, I can point to the current state of government, politics and the law. Civics was an important part of society when I was kid. Now it seems doing the exact opposite is the norm. No manners. No consideration for others. I'm more important than the community/society/country. All offend and/or interfere with somebody's Constitutional rights. The idea that one has a duty to learn in school in order to become a contributing member to society appears to obsolete. Higher achievement is no longer a means to get ahead, it's bullying those with lesser abilities.

Can do only so much at home. With the MSM and/or social media bombarding daily with headlines that appeal to stupidity and peers that regurgitate the crap.

I can see a by design argument. I can also see an argument made for it being the unintended consequences of people constantly trying to "fix" crap that ain't broke. Catering to aberrant minorities rather than serving the majorities. Setting the standard by the underachieving former rather pushing to achieve the latter at a minimum.

Consequences.

[Kathianne]

Constitution pass? Not familiar with that.

"By design": Malignant design? Or changing importance in society?

To the latter, I can point to the current state of government, politics and the law. Civics was an important part of society when I was kid. Now it seems doing the exact opposite is the norm. No manners. No consideration for others. I'm more important than the community/society/country. All offend and/or interfere with somebody's Constitutional rights. The idea that one has a duty to learn in school in order to become a contributing member to society appears to obsolete. Higher achievement is no longer a means to get ahead, it's bullying those with lesser abilities.

Can do only so much at home. With the MSM and/or social media bombarding daily with headlines that appeal to stupidity and peers that regurgitate the crap.

I can see a by design argument. I can also see an argument made for it being the unintended consequences of people constantly trying to "fix" crap that ain't broke. Catering to aberrant minorities rather than serving the majorities. Setting the standard by the underachieving former rather pushing to achieve the latter at a minimum.

Consequences.

I agree with the need to have rules that reinforce common decency, though not the topic I was addressing.

The study demonstrated these students know the 'right' answers for what is now repeatedly taught and emphasized in schools. Social justice issues, things to do with minority contributions- no matter how obscure. They are taught, they are learned.

What isn't taught is Constitution. What capitalism is and isn't. What a federated republic is. Founding documents , certainly not the ideas or documents they were bases upon.

The reason the college students are so easily herded into mini hamas asses, they are not grounded in anything better.

[Gunny]

I agree with the need to have rules that reinforce common decency, though not the topic I was addressing.

The study demonstrated these students know the 'right' answers for what is now repeatedly taught and emphasized in schools. Social justice issues, things to do with minority contributions- no matter how obscure. They are taught, they are learned.

What isn't taught is Constitution. What capitalism is and isn't. What a federated republic is. Founding documents , certainly not the ideas or documents they were bases upon.

The reason the college students are so easily herded into mini hamas asses, they are not grounded in anything better.

I agree. What you are stating falls into what I did. Students are being taught all the wrong things. Government catering to the desires of destructive fringe minorities rather the needs of the society as a whole.

[Kathianne]

I agree. What you are stating falls into what I did. Students are being taught all the wrong things. Government catering to the desires of destructive fringe minorities rather the needs of the society as a whole.

It was what I was saying from OP. 'By desin.'

[fj1200]

That would mean that there's a designer. I tend to lean toward the confluence of moronic group think.

[SassyLady]

That would mean that there's a designer. I tend to lean toward the confluence of moronic group think.

You just can't believe there's a wizard back behind the curtain somewhere can you fj. Everything is just pure happenstance because no one can have that level of power.

[Kathianne]

That would mean that there's a designer. I tend to lean toward the confluence of moronic group think.

I agree with that, the group being the 'education departments' as a whole throughout the country. It's where the teachers of all grades start, but the most heavily influenced by the department are those that are education majors-which are those that will teach ps-5, otherwise known as elementary school.

The old adage, 'those that can, do; those that can't, teach' is aimed at this group. Sometimes it is unfair. I've known a few that could certainly have majored in any subject they would have cared to, but wanted to teach as in a calling. The are dedicated not to just a subject, but to inspiring children. Best of the best. Also the least likely to be swept up in some trend or 'cause.' They have a focus, every bit as much as an engineer or doctor to be. ;)

Truth is, at most schools education is by far and away the largest department due to the ease of obtaining a degree. It used to be the one with the most 'lightweight' professors and certainly the easiest to BS should one find it necessary. I'm pretty sure I'd have a problem today, as I never was very good at not expressing my opinions, something that truly was necessary with 'education professors.' You had to tell them what they wanted to hear. They seemed for the most part unable to discern facts from opinions or maybe just didn't care. There really isn't many 'schools of thought' being driven at any given time in most education departments. There is the 'current' best methods and 'the next' best methods. It's like there's always a 'new & improved' just around the corner. It takes awhile to move into the 'best practices' level, but it explains why it took nearly 45 years to admit that 'whole language' was causing widespread reading disabilities and for phonics to return to the primary method-though still with heavy whole language emphasis. Hybrid if you will.

I'd bet dollars to donuts, another 'best practice' for reading is just around the corner, ready to begin to topple phonics once again for a 'new & improved' method. New textbooks to be written after the studies to be done.

Don't even get me started on math-which does move at a bit different pace with many more variances-since most schools have yet to actually devise a way not to tract math at some level.

So you have a large body of professors with a likewise larger number of students within said department. Few of either group being intensely curious about many subjects, though certainly able to read and discuss at a reasonable level with like-minded people. They believe in being good and responsible citizens/adults. The problem is though, they don't give a whole lot of thought to what it means. They are more easily led as students by their teachers-since they tend to put educators on somewhat of a pedestal, at least going into universities. Critical thinking just has never been part and parcel of educational philosophy as a whole. It's not difficult for someone to lead them to areas now called 'social justice' even when the cause may be anti-social and unjust. The true breakthrough philosophies in the education arena tended to be those drawn to education after previously study of other disciplines.

Looking in context to the ideas that actually come out of the university after years of percolating, (such as the anti-semitism now being seen throughout education-not just at university level, but throughout the k-12 system also), the ideas usually begin at the ivies in philosophy, history, political science, economics. Actual discussion/arguments/debates at all levels-within departments, in lower level classes and grad classes. Students taking pre-requisites share through writings and discussions some of the ideas within other disciplines-applying some of what the learned into other realms of thought. This leads to more discussions and if the ideas 'take off' you can have inspired numbers spreading through any of a myriad of ways to other influencers. In any case, some of the good education folks are going to get ahold of parts of these discussions and incorporate how they can be used in education and 'life.' After time, those ideas are incorporated into best practices.

For a good 50 years, teaching social just has become the catch all for education. It's reflected in all aspects, intentionally or not. 'No child left behind' even if all the other kids are being held back-we'll wait for that 1 or 5 to catch up to the bus. Seriously. As I mentioned earlier, 'whole language' has managed to introduce widespread illiteracy within the US. By the time the 'educators' actually started to recognize that testing WAS RIGHT, that a significant number of students were NOT learning to read it took years to turn the ship around.

Whole language was an effective special education methodology that worked for a small number of students who were not able to read fluently by 2-3 grades through the traditional phonics method. Not ALL special ed kids, but for some it was like a miracle! Thus, education departments started to make whole language the preferred/only method to be applied to all children starting in ps/k+. The youngest teachers were then 'teaching' their older counterparts already in the school systems. After awhile, phonics pretty much disappeared, the way 'new math' had taken hold in the 50s-60s. It's only been about 20 years now that phonics was re-introduced, then emphasized, now once again the preferred method of starting.

All of us, whether teachers, engineers, accountants, politicians, doctors, whatever, we all had teachers in grades k-5. In fact, for many their favorite teachers were from one of those. They are truly for many of us, our first significant adult influence outside of our parents/grandparents. They do inspire generations for better or worse. They tend to be 'nice' people, that are good role models. Looking at who has influenced those influencers has not been at the forefront of most parents, why would it? The way those ideas shift into the 6-12 area of education, when young minds are really more influenced by specific ideas is a bit more complicated, though not as much it would seem if given a bit of thought.

[Kathianne]

Related:

https://www.campusreform.org/article/harvard-leftist-summer-reading-list-recommends-book-indoctrinate-students-crt-/25801


Harvard leftist summer reading list recommends book on how to indoctrinate students with CRTOne book suggests that ‘the US educational system is maintained by and profits from the suffering of children of color.’
Article image

Emma Arns '26 | Tennessee Correspondent
July 8, 2024, 10:00 am ET
Harvard University’s summer reading list includes various books covering topics like transgenderism, feminism, and racism, including one book that states that educators should teach their students ideas related to Critical Race Theory.


“We’ve got recommendations from the Harvard community, titles from Harvard authors, and a glimpse inside some new releases,” the school’s website reads.


A page titled “Need a good book?” under Harvard’s “Summer Reads” section advertises “We Want to Do More Than Survive,” a book that argues that “the US educational system is maintained by and profits from the suffering of children of color.”


[RELATED: ALSC Summer Reading List pushes CRT, Gender Theory on middle schoolers]


Harvard doctoral student, DeAnza Cook, says the book is a “powerful appeal to build transformative educational homeplaces rooted in abolitionist pedagogies for liberation,” and recommends it for “[diversity, inclusion, and belonging] educators and enthusiasts.”


The book urges that educators “must teach students about racial violence, oppression, and how to make sustainable change in their communities through radical civic initiatives and movements.”


The author of the book, Dr. Bettina Love, is a professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, who previously said her work focuses on “help[ing] white people become less racist.” She also previously wrote that educators should “[r]emove all punitive or disciplinary practices that spirit murder Black, Brown, and Indigenous children.”


Another book on the reading list, “Detransition, Baby” by Torrey Peters, “follows the lives of three women, transgender and cisgender, and shows how their experiences intertwine around a pregnancy.”


“Living a Feminist Life” by Sara Ahmed is also mentioned on the Harvard summer list. Ahmed’s book explores, among other topics, “how feminists create inventive solutions . . . to survive the shattering experiences of facing the walls of racism and sexism.”


[RELATED: Harvard Divinity School summer reading list includes books on ‘transgender evangelist,’ reparations]


The book contains chapters titled: “Lesbian Feminism,” “Feminist Snap,” and “A Killjoy Survival Kit.”


Additional books on the Harvard summer reading list include “Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes Through Indigenous Science,” and “In Search of a Beautiful Freedom,” which is a collection of “writings on Black music, feminism, literature, and events.”


Campus Reform has contacted Harvard University for comment. This article will be updated accordingly.

[fj1200]

You just can't believe there's a wizard back behind the curtain somewhere can you fj. Everything is just pure happenstance because no one can have that level of power.

There's no evidence of a wizard. There is copious evidence of people who think they are doing good but the outcomes don't follow.

EDIT:

Not the correct thread but "white guys for kamala" aren't being led around by a wizard.

Further EDIT:

A thought: You believe in wizards so it's logical that others will follow wizards. Or maybe there's wizards and anti-wizards... Not sure, a nascent idea rolling around up there...

[Kathianne]

There's no evidence of a wizard. There is copious evidence of people who think they are doing good but the outcomes don't follow.

I don't know about the puppets, but there certainly is the 'group think' which is what I was attempting to address above, imperfectly that it may be. One way or another though, someone is making decisions and it doesn't appear to be Joe-other than maybe someone helping him write his name.

It may be a committee, but a committee made up of who?

[fj1200]

I don't know about the puppets, but there certainly is the 'group think' which is what I was attempting to address above, imperfectly that it may be. One way or another though, someone is making decisions and it doesn't appear to be Joe-other than maybe someone helping him write his name.

It may be a committee, but a committee made up of who?

I made some edits. You might disagree and want to take back your "like." :laugh:

It was well said, something I was not able to skim through and comprehend without taking the time. I can agree that there's a wizard above Joe because he has no brain left. But that's far different than the other connotation.

[Kathianne]

I made some edits. You might disagree and want to take back your "like." :laugh:

It was well said, something I was not able to skim through and comprehend without taking the time. I can agree that there's a wizard above Joe because he has no brain left. But that's far different than the other connotation.

I still like.

Kamala I think is a result of what's happening with Joe, likely from the get go. White guys for Kamala is likely a hybrid between campaign and group think of the losers of DEI.

[Black Diamond]

So if kim launches a nuke, does a committee respond or do we have to hope it's before 4pm

[fj1200]

I still like.

Kamala I think is a result of what's happening with Joe, likely from the get go. White guys for Kamala is likely a hybrid between campaign and group think of the losers of DEI.

Yup, she was a payoff 4 years ago and nobody in their right, Dem ;) , mind was going to dump her for even someone credible because that would have been a sure loser.

[Black Diamond]

I made some edits. You might disagree and want to take back your "like." :laugh:

It was well said, something I was not able to skim through and comprehend without taking the time. I can agree that there's a wizard above Joe because he has no brain left. But that's far different than the other connotation.

What if the wizard is simply Edith. I mean Jill

[fj1200]

What if the wizard is simply Edith. I mean Jill

Joe's wizard? Unlikely. She's definitely not an overarching wizard.

And I don't know who Edith is but you reference her rather frequently.

[Black Diamond]

Most believers in a Dem wizard assume it's Obama nowadays. A few say soros

[Kathianne]

What if the wizard is simply Edith. I mean Jill

Jill's impact is on Joe, not on the Dem machine. With his 'stepping down,' she lost any relevance, but I would not be surprised at some news at convention. She's as mad as wet cat is my guess.

[fj1200]

Most believers in a Dem wizard assume it's Obama nowadays. A few say soros

There's a difference between a mythological "wizard" at a macro level vs just a party boss on a micro level who might be trying to exert some influence.

[Black Diamond]

There's a difference between a mythological "wizard" at a macro level vs just a party boss on a micro level who might be trying to exert some influence.

Are you thinking the mythological one is soros?

[Black Diamond]

Joe's wizard? Unlikely. She's definitely not an overarching wizard.

And I don't know who Edith is but you reference her rather frequently.

First link i found
https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/first-families/edith-bolling-galt-wilson/#:~:text=Edith%20Bolling%20Galt%20Wilson%20was,rem ainder%20of%20Wilson's%20second%20term.

Edith Bolling Galt Wilson was second wife of the 28th President, Woodrow Wilson. She served as First Lady from 1915 to 1921. After the President suffered a severe stroke, she pre-screened all matters of state, functionally running the Executive branch of government for the remainder of Wilson’s second term.

[Kathianne]

First link i found
https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/first-families/edith-bolling-galt-wilson/#:~:text=Edith%20Bolling%20Galt%20Wilson%20was,rem ainder%20of%20Wilson's%20second%20term.

Edith Bolling Galt Wilson was second wife of the 28th President, Woodrow Wilson. She served as First Lady from 1915 to 1921. After the President suffered a severe stroke, she pre-screened all matters of state, functionally running the Executive branch of government for the remainder of Wilson’s second term.

Jill tried, but failed to fill that role. Modern tech is a bitch.

[fj1200]

Are you thinking the mythological one is soros?

I don't believe in wizards. :slap:

[fj1200]

First link i found
https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/first-families/edith-bolling-galt-wilson/#:~:text=Edith%20Bolling%20Galt%20Wilson%20was,rem ainder%20of%20Wilson's%20second%20term.

Edith Bolling Galt Wilson was second wife of the 28th President, Woodrow Wilson. She served as First Lady from 1915 to 1921. After the President suffered a severe stroke, she pre-screened all matters of state, functionally running the Executive branch of government for the remainder of Wilson’s second term.

I see clearly now. The parallels run deep. ;)

[Kathianne]

I don't believe in wizards. :slap:

I loathe conspiracies, this administration though makes it very difficult to ignore that the titular head has not been able to make decisions or choices for most, if not all of the term of office. They tried to keep him in for a second term, but really the 24/7 news and the debate together made it impossible. So we now have the appointed one. It's all very strange and certainly lends itself to much speculation.

I was sure it was committee led by the big O, but the Susan Rice undermine of Kamala screws up that thinking.

[Black Diamond]

Jill's impact is on Joe, not on the Dem machine. With his 'stepping down,' she lost any relevance, but I would not be surprised at some news at convention. She's as mad as wet cat is my guess.

You're right. I've been watching an author who wrote a book about nuclear war and how only potus can launch. But if he's demented or has sundowners then what? Joe? Edith? Or a committee? 6 minutes to decide

[Gunny]

That would mean that there's a designer. I tend to lean toward the confluence of moronic group think.Same.

[Gunny]

I don't know about the puppets, but there certainly is the 'group think' which is what I was attempting to address above, imperfectly that it may be. One way or another though, someone is making decisions and it doesn't appear to be Joe-other than maybe someone helping him write his name.

It may be a committee, but a committee made up of who?Advisers. Joe's political advisers rely on the establishment guru's in each and every field. The nameless government employees that make up government. Politicians come and go. Those guys are in it for life. Moving desks or offices is drastic change to them. They don't care about anything but government and power. They use the Dems because the Dems can be used, wanting control and power as well.

It is basically the system running itself. I won't even go so far to say its coordinated. Rather, it is cumulative. These people do what is best for themselves which in turn becomes what is best for government since government changes their diapers cradle to grave. And it's generational. I'd bet money there are government employees in the District who were born there, got a job from a good ol boy relative or friend, and will die there. Going abroad to them is crossing into MD or VA:rolleyes: And they occupy desk after desk after desk, building after building. Politicians and military are "temp hires". Do your time and stay in your lane or you will be the one chewed up and spit out.

There is nothing or no specific person in anything in any of that you put a finger on. Everything's legal and each piece of the puzzle is doing its job.

[Gunny]

So if kim launches a nuke, does a committee respond or do we have to hope it's before 4pmThe military will shoot it down. If it does not, there are all sorts of responses, nuclear and conventional already in place. Since you picked NK, the planned response depends on the severity of the attack. The US has the capability to respond conventionally and make that midget wish he'd been nuked.

The whole "if you nuke us we'll nuke you back" is more Hollywood/MSM myth than reality. Tit for tat reprisal went out with the Cold War and enhanced technology.

[Gunny]

Joe's wizard? Unlikely. She's definitely not an overarching wizard.

And I don't know who Edith is but you reference her rather frequently.Seriously? Edith Bunker. Archie Bunker's wife on All in the Family :slap:

[Black Diamond]

Seriously? Edith Bunker. Archie Bunker's wife on All in the Family :slap:

Stifle yourself

[Black Diamond]

The military will shoot it down. If it does not, there are all sorts of responses, nuclear and conventional already in place. Since you picked NK, the planned response depends on the severity of the attack. The US has the capability to respond conventionally and make that midget wish he'd been nuked.

The whole "if you nuke us we'll nuke you back" is more Hollywood/MSM myth than reality. Tit for tat reprisal went out with the Cold War and enhanced technology.

What about de-escalation by escalation?

[Gunny]

What about de-escalation by escalation?I disagree with that theory. For the viewing audience: Escalation to Deescalate is somebody's great idea whereby a limited and/or tactical nuclear strike is used to respond to first use nuclear strike in the hopes that the opponent will "see the light" due to the response and stand down. IMO, there's a far greater chance that it would escalate rather than deescalate.

It is an option. Hopefully, IMO, one that has been discarded.

These people playing with nukes like they're toys and viable alternatives need their heads examined.