Synthesis/Analysis Problem for Night One
Problem: Mr. Community Member does not like public schools because he believes they do
not promote respect and knowledge of the American flag. He contends that we are not
teaching American values. He expresses that children don’t know history. He feels that
children don’t know anything about economics. He feels that schools are just a holding pen
for multiculturalists and illegal immigrants.
My Response: I am very sorry that you feel that way Mr. Community Member. You most likely
have not heard of standards-based education. Standards-based education is a method of teaching
that all teachers are required by law to incorporate into their classrooms. It is a process that I, as
a teacher, use for planning, delivering, monitoring, and improving my curriculum. The standards
help to make sure that all students will succeed in school. From what you said, you believe that
schools do not respect the flag and students are not taught how important it is to our country. In
fact, there is a standard on citizenship that addresses this issue. I think that you will be happy to
know that every day my students stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance. In fact, our school had
a teacher who recently returned from Iraq and on Flag Day he gave an all-school assembly on the
meaning of the words and how to say the Pledge of Allegiance with respect. I periodically
remind my students of what we all learned on that day. The event began with a traditional flag
ceremony lead by local veterans. The students were encouraged to wear red, white, and blue on
that day. It meant so much to the students coming from service men who went into combat to
protect the freedoms that the flag symbolizes. It was so emotional and educational at the same
time. I wish that you could have been there. I also teach an incredible unit on the flag and the
history of it. Again, it is in the standards that are mandated by the state and recommended by the
National Council for Social Studies, a group of professionals in the education field who are
dedicated to the instruction of what all of the social studies curriculum encompasses in the
classroom including geography, history, political science and citizenship, economics, and
behavioral sciences. It is apparent to me that you are a very patriotic individual, so I think that
you will appreciate what I can tell you regarding what I teach about the flag in my lessons. I
have taught two different grades, so I am not going to go into the details of all of it. But, I will
tell you that I use this fabulous website called atozteacherstuff.com where I have used many of
their topics from the story of Betsy Ross to how to fold an American flag. We even take the flag
off of the mini-pole in our room and practice folding it. I also consider myself a very patriotic
person and I reveal personal stories like the fact that my dad and several uncles served in various
units of the military. Currently, my brother-in-law is a captain in the navy. One time he was in
town and came to class and shared with my students his experience and duties on the U.S.S.
Kitty Hawk. He held a very dangerous job at the time because he was in charge of the flight
crew and the safe departure of the jets from the supercarrier. He and his wife did a simulation in
my classroom showing how this actually happens. My students were captivated by him and his
military uniform. I share with my students the stories about funerals of servicemen and how the
flag is offered to a survivor of the dead, usually the wife or mother. I also disclose stories of my
personal experiences with these types of funerals. I tell them how they play taps and receive a
military salute with the honorary gunfire and all. You would really be proud at how they take all
of this to heart and really gain an appreciation of what the flag means. I usually culminate my
lesson with making cards for veterans or doing something else that is special. I leave this up to
the students because by this time they are invested emotionally into the pride for their flag,
country, and the servicemen that have fought for it. I appreciate your concern Mr. Community
Member and I am sure that you can see that schools take the education of all students in all
subjects very seriously.
Submitted by: Therese Cibula on September 2, 2010