Cooper 7th Grade Book List

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

While I personally hold nothing against the topics above, when did English class become a brain washing course with hidden agenda? Why can't the kids simply learn the beauty of the English language, and be inspired by the great minds, even from a complete different time? Or am I living in such a sheltered life that the topics are prevailing way of life now? Shouldn't all the current events be part of civics class?

I don't know if the list is specific to his class or to Cooper, but my question to the wise readers here--what should I do? Tell my kids not to read these books which means going against the school? Or ask for an alternate list?

- It hasn’t. Have you read all of the books? ANY of the books? It sounds like you’re really running wild with your assumptions. So I’d suggest that you read at least a few of the books and see if they offer ways for kids to learn the beauty of the English language, and to be inspired by great minds.

I think it’s bizarre for you to ask for an alternate list — when you apparently haven’t read any of the books. What would you ask for? Books written by dead white people? Books that only reference “current events” from at least 60 or more years ago — and prohibiting any class discussion that relates in any way to more recent current events? I’d be curious to learn how those conversations go.

English class indeed became a brain washing course with hidden agenda. In Cooper's 7th grade English syllabus, a list of concepts of study starts with "Identity", ends with "Change". For parents who want their kids to learn English, go find some other resources for your children. Besides classics, you may introduce the books such as Animal Farm, 1984, Please Stop Helping Us, Discrimination and Disparities, Irreversible Damage to your children.

Those are the units that are outlined by the county, not by Cooper. If the word "identity" bothers you, there are huge issues in your life. Identity is a huge concept for adolescents who are trying to determine who they are and how they fit into their communities. Are they athletic? Artistic? A combination of the two? Are they quiet and introspective? Risk-takers? Conservative in their approach to new things? Are they leaders? Team players? Religious? Community-service-driven? Scouts? Musicians? Readers? Humorous? Dramatic? Son's? Daughters? Siblings?

The identity unit is not political, nor is it "woke." It's relevant to adolescence.

Amazing how we got through school back in the 80s and 90s without any units on “identity.”

We also got through school without our parents sticking their noses into curriculum and telling teachers how to do their jobs.

+100

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:These identity explorations are causing more confusion than anything else. Almost by design.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

While I personally hold nothing against the topics above, when did English class become a brain washing course with hidden agenda? Why can't the kids simply learn the beauty of the English language, and be inspired by the great minds, even from a complete different time? Or am I living in such a sheltered life that the topics are prevailing way of life now? Shouldn't all the current events be part of civics class?

I don't know if the list is specific to his class or to Cooper, but my question to the wise readers here--what should I do? Tell my kids not to read these books which means going against the school? Or ask for an alternate list?

- It hasn’t. Have you read all of the books? ANY of the books? It sounds like you’re really running wild with your assumptions. So I’d suggest that you read at least a few of the books and see if they offer ways for kids to learn the beauty of the English language, and to be inspired by great minds.

I think it’s bizarre for you to ask for an alternate list — when you apparently haven’t read any of the books. What would you ask for? Books written by dead white people? Books that only reference “current events” from at least 60 or more years ago — and prohibiting any class discussion that relates in any way to more recent current events? I’d be curious to learn how those conversations go.

English class indeed became a brain washing course with hidden agenda. In Cooper's 7th grade English syllabus, a list of concepts of study starts with "Identity", ends with "Change". For parents who want their kids to learn English, go find some other resources for your children. Besides classics, you may introduce the books such as Animal Farm, 1984, Please Stop Helping Us, Discrimination and Disparities, Irreversible Damage to your children.

Those are the units that are outlined by the county, not by Cooper. If the word "identity" bothers you, there are huge issues in your life. Identity is a huge concept for adolescents who are trying to determine who they are and how they fit into their communities. Are they athletic? Artistic? A combination of the two? Are they quiet and introspective? Risk-takers? Conservative in their approach to new things? Are they leaders? Team players? Religious? Community-service-driven? Scouts? Musicians? Readers? Humorous? Dramatic? Son's? Daughters? Siblings?

The identity unit is not political, nor is it "woke." It's relevant to adolescence.

Amazing how we got through school back in the 80s and 90s without any units on “identity.”

We also weren't vaccinated against meningitis, varicella, and HPV. We've advanced since the 80s and 90s.

We also didn't all ride in car seats until we were safe in a seat belt, and many of us rode in a lap belt only. We've learned since then.

Many of grew up getting spanked and harshly punished. We've learned the error of our ways.

Many of grew up being told that depression and anxiety were signs of weakness. Thankfully we've learned that isn't isn't case.

Isn't it INCREDIBLE how we can be better educators, parents, and providers now? Let's do better than what we had.

We are certainly trying very hard at all of these improvements but the proof is in the pudding. Kids these days are anxious, unsocialized, distracted messes.

What can we expect when kids are constantly bombarded with messages that deconstruct their world as they knew it and that are very confusing and depressing:

You are born in the wrong body.
Your parents don’t know anything.
Your parents are haters and racist.
It’s Ok to lie and hide things from your parents.
Men are toxic and abusers.
Women are oppressed and victims.
Climate change is ending the world anytime now.
Whites are oppressors.
Non-whites will ALWYAS be victims.
You ought to be ashamed of being American.
You’ll be shot to death at school.
You are not overreacting: The problems of the world are overwhelming, so it’s normal to feel depressed.
God is not real.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These identity explorations are causing more confusion than anything else. Almost by design.

+1

+100
Exactly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

While I personally hold nothing against the topics above, when did English class become a brain washing course with hidden agenda? Why can't the kids simply learn the beauty of the English language, and be inspired by the great minds, even from a complete different time? Or am I living in such a sheltered life that the topics are prevailing way of life now? Shouldn't all the current events be part of civics class?

I don't know if the list is specific to his class or to Cooper, but my question to the wise readers here--what should I do? Tell my kids not to read these books which means going against the school? Or ask for an alternate list?

- It hasn’t. Have you read all of the books? ANY of the books? It sounds like you’re really running wild with your assumptions. So I’d suggest that you read at least a few of the books and see if they offer ways for kids to learn the beauty of the English language, and to be inspired by great minds.

I think it’s bizarre for you to ask for an alternate list — when you apparently haven’t read any of the books. What would you ask for? Books written by dead white people? Books that only reference “current events” from at least 60 or more years ago — and prohibiting any class discussion that relates in any way to more recent current events? I’d be curious to learn how those conversations go.

English class indeed became a brain washing course with hidden agenda. In Cooper's 7th grade English syllabus, a list of concepts of study starts with "Identity", ends with "Change". For parents who want their kids to learn English, go find some other resources for your children. Besides classics, you may introduce the books such as Animal Farm, 1984, Please Stop Helping Us, Discrimination and Disparities, Irreversible Damage to your children.

Those are the units that are outlined by the county, not by Cooper. If the word "identity" bothers you, there are huge issues in your life. Identity is a huge concept for adolescents who are trying to determine who they are and how they fit into their communities. Are they athletic? Artistic? A combination of the two? Are they quiet and introspective? Risk-takers? Conservative in their approach to new things? Are they leaders? Team players? Religious? Community-service-driven? Scouts? Musicians? Readers? Humorous? Dramatic? Son's? Daughters? Siblings?

The identity unit is not political, nor is it "woke." It's relevant to adolescence.

Amazing how we got through school back in the 80s and 90s without any units on “identity.”

We also got through school without our parents sticking their noses into curriculum and telling teachers how to do their jobs.

+100

And teachers stuck to the standard curriculum and did not discuss their private lives.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

While I personally hold nothing against the topics above, when did English class become a brain washing course with hidden agenda? Why can't the kids simply learn the beauty of the English language, and be inspired by the great minds, even from a complete different time? Or am I living in such a sheltered life that the topics are prevailing way of life now? Shouldn't all the current events be part of civics class?

I don't know if the list is specific to his class or to Cooper, but my question to the wise readers here--what should I do? Tell my kids not to read these books which means going against the school? Or ask for an alternate list?

- It hasn’t. Have you read all of the books? ANY of the books? It sounds like you’re really running wild with your assumptions. So I’d suggest that you read at least a few of the books and see if they offer ways for kids to learn the beauty of the English language, and to be inspired by great minds.

I think it’s bizarre for you to ask for an alternate list — when you apparently haven’t read any of the books. What would you ask for? Books written by dead white people? Books that only reference “current events” from at least 60 or more years ago — and prohibiting any class discussion that relates in any way to more recent current events? I’d be curious to learn how those conversations go.

English class indeed became a brain washing course with hidden agenda. In Cooper's 7th grade English syllabus, a list of concepts of study starts with "Identity", ends with "Change". For parents who want their kids to learn English, go find some other resources for your children. Besides classics, you may introduce the books such as Animal Farm, 1984, Please Stop Helping Us, Discrimination and Disparities, Irreversible Damage to your children.

Those are the units that are outlined by the county, not by Cooper. If the word "identity" bothers you, there are huge issues in your life. Identity is a huge concept for adolescents who are trying to determine who they are and how they fit into their communities. Are they athletic? Artistic? A combination of the two? Are they quiet and introspective? Risk-takers? Conservative in their approach to new things? Are they leaders? Team players? Religious? Community-service-driven? Scouts? Musicians? Readers? Humorous? Dramatic? Son's? Daughters? Siblings?

The identity unit is not political, nor is it "woke." It's relevant to adolescence.

Amazing how we got through school back in the 80s and 90s without any units on “identity.”

We also got through school without our parents sticking their noses into curriculum and telling teachers how to do their jobs.

This. My parents went to Back to School night and that was it. There were no endless PTA meetings, volunteer events, or any of the other nonsense that goes on today. You sent your kid to school, did your own thing, kid came home by themselves, and either you were home, or the kid had a key and let themselves in and took care of themselves on their own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

While I personally hold nothing against the topics above, when did English class become a brain washing course with hidden agenda? Why can't the kids simply learn the beauty of the English language, and be inspired by the great minds, even from a complete different time? Or am I living in such a sheltered life that the topics are prevailing way of life now? Shouldn't all the current events be part of civics class?

I don't know if the list is specific to his class or to Cooper, but my question to the wise readers here--what should I do? Tell my kids not to read these books which means going against the school? Or ask for an alternate list?

- It hasn’t. Have you read all of the books? ANY of the books? It sounds like you’re really running wild with your assumptions. So I’d suggest that you read at least a few of the books and see if they offer ways for kids to learn the beauty of the English language, and to be inspired by great minds.

I think it’s bizarre for you to ask for an alternate list — when you apparently haven’t read any of the books. What would you ask for? Books written by dead white people? Books that only reference “current events” from at least 60 or more years ago — and prohibiting any class discussion that relates in any way to more recent current events? I’d be curious to learn how those conversations go.

English class indeed became a brain washing course with hidden agenda. In Cooper's 7th grade English syllabus, a list of concepts of study starts with "Identity", ends with "Change". For parents who want their kids to learn English, go find some other resources for your children. Besides classics, you may introduce the books such as Animal Farm, 1984, Please Stop Helping Us, Discrimination and Disparities, Irreversible Damage to your children.

Those are the units that are outlined by the county, not by Cooper. If the word "identity" bothers you, there are huge issues in your life. Identity is a huge concept for adolescents who are trying to determine who they are and how they fit into their communities. Are they athletic? Artistic? A combination of the two? Are they quiet and introspective? Risk-takers? Conservative in their approach to new things? Are they leaders? Team players? Religious? Community-service-driven? Scouts? Musicians? Readers? Humorous? Dramatic? Son's? Daughters? Siblings?

The identity unit is not political, nor is it "woke." It's relevant to adolescence.

Amazing how we got through school back in the 80s and 90s without any units on “identity.”

We also got through school without our parents sticking their noses into curriculum and telling teachers how to do their jobs.

+100

And teachers stuck to the standard curriculum and did not discuss their private lives.

+1.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

While I personally hold nothing against the topics above, when did English class become a brain washing course with hidden agenda? Why can't the kids simply learn the beauty of the English language, and be inspired by the great minds, even from a complete different time? Or am I living in such a sheltered life that the topics are prevailing way of life now? Shouldn't all the current events be part of civics class?

I don't know if the list is specific to his class or to Cooper, but my question to the wise readers here--what should I do? Tell my kids not to read these books which means going against the school? Or ask for an alternate list?

- It hasn’t. Have you read all of the books? ANY of the books? It sounds like you’re really running wild with your assumptions. So I’d suggest that you read at least a few of the books and see if they offer ways for kids to learn the beauty of the English language, and to be inspired by great minds.

I think it’s bizarre for you to ask for an alternate list — when you apparently haven’t read any of the books. What would you ask for? Books written by dead white people? Books that only reference “current events” from at least 60 or more years ago — and prohibiting any class discussion that relates in any way to more recent current events? I’d be curious to learn how those conversations go.

English class indeed became a brain washing course with hidden agenda. In Cooper's 7th grade English syllabus, a list of concepts of study starts with "Identity", ends with "Change". For parents who want their kids to learn English, go find some other resources for your children. Besides classics, you may introduce the books such as Animal Farm, 1984, Please Stop Helping Us, Discrimination and Disparities, Irreversible Damage to your children.

That seems developmentally appropriate— given that most teens are usually dealing with Identity and Change.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

While I personally hold nothing against the topics above, when did English class become a brain washing course with hidden agenda? Why can't the kids simply learn the beauty of the English language, and be inspired by the great minds, even from a complete different time? Or am I living in such a sheltered life that the topics are prevailing way of life now? Shouldn't all the current events be part of civics class?

I don't know if the list is specific to his class or to Cooper, but my question to the wise readers here--what should I do? Tell my kids not to read these books which means going against the school? Or ask for an alternate list?

- It hasn’t. Have you read all of the books? ANY of the books? It sounds like you’re really running wild with your assumptions. So I’d suggest that you read at least a few of the books and see if they offer ways for kids to learn the beauty of the English language, and to be inspired by great minds.

I think it’s bizarre for you to ask for an alternate list — when you apparently haven’t read any of the books. What would you ask for? Books written by dead white people? Books that only reference “current events” from at least 60 or more years ago — and prohibiting any class discussion that relates in any way to more recent current events? I’d be curious to learn how those conversations go.

English class indeed became a brain washing course with hidden agenda. In Cooper's 7th grade English syllabus, a list of concepts of study starts with "Identity", ends with "Change". For parents who want their kids to learn English, go find some other resources for your children. Besides classics, you may introduce the books such as Animal Farm, 1984, Please Stop Helping Us, Discrimination and Disparities, Irreversible Damage to your children.

Those are the units that are outlined by the county, not by Cooper. If the word "identity" bothers you, there are huge issues in your life. Identity is a huge concept for adolescents who are trying to determine who they are and how they fit into their communities. Are they athletic? Artistic? A combination of the two? Are they quiet and introspective? Risk-takers? Conservative in their approach to new things? Are they leaders? Team players? Religious? Community-service-driven? Scouts? Musicians? Readers? Humorous? Dramatic? Son's? Daughters? Siblings?

The identity unit is not political, nor is it "woke." It's relevant to adolescence.

Amazing how we got through school back in the 80s and 90s without any units on “identity.”

We also weren't vaccinated against meningitis, varicella, and HPV. We've advanced since the 80s and 90s.

We also didn't all ride in car seats until we were safe in a seat belt, and many of us rode in a lap belt only. We've learned since then.

Many of grew up getting spanked and harshly punished. We've learned the error of our ways.

Many of grew up being told that depression and anxiety were signs of weakness. Thankfully we've learned that isn't isn't case.

Isn't it INCREDIBLE how we can be better educators, parents, and providers now? Let's do better than what we had.

We are certainly trying very hard at all of these improvements but the proof is in the pudding. Kids these days are anxious, unsocialized, distracted messes.

What can we expect when kids are constantly bombarded with messages that deconstruct their world as they knew it and that are very confusing and depressing:

You are born in the wrong body.
Your parents don’t know anything.
Your parents are haters and racist.
It’s Ok to lie and hide things from your parents.
Men are toxic and abusers.
Women are oppressed and victims.
Climate change is ending the world anytime now.
Whites are oppressors.
Non-whites will ALWYAS be victims.
You ought to be ashamed of being American.
You’ll be shot to death at school.
You are not overreacting: The problems of the world are overwhelming, so it’s normal to feel depressed.
God is not real.

“Constantly?” I’d be really interested in seeing this list annotated with actual examples. None of those things “bombard” the students whose lives and curricula I’m familiar with. Although they are generally aware that school shootings occur, that America is far from perfect, that citizens in many other countries have resources that most Americans lack, and that the vestiges of legal,racial segregation are still very much with us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

While I personally hold nothing against the topics above, when did English class become a brain washing course with hidden agenda? Why can't the kids simply learn the beauty of the English language, and be inspired by the great minds, even from a complete different time? Or am I living in such a sheltered life that the topics are prevailing way of life now? Shouldn't all the current events be part of civics class?

I don't know if the list is specific to his class or to Cooper, but my question to the wise readers here--what should I do? Tell my kids not to read these books which means going against the school? Or ask for an alternate list?

- It hasn’t. Have you read all of the books? ANY of the books? It sounds like you’re really running wild with your assumptions. So I’d suggest that you read at least a few of the books and see if they offer ways for kids to learn the beauty of the English language, and to be inspired by great minds.

I think it’s bizarre for you to ask for an alternate list — when you apparently haven’t read any of the books. What would you ask for? Books written by dead white people? Books that only reference “current events” from at least 60 or more years ago — and prohibiting any class discussion that relates in any way to more recent current events? I’d be curious to learn how those conversations go.

English class indeed became a brain washing course with hidden agenda. In Cooper's 7th grade English syllabus, a list of concepts of study starts with "Identity", ends with "Change". For parents who want their kids to learn English, go find some other resources for your children. Besides classics, you may introduce the books such as Animal Farm, 1984, Please Stop Helping Us, Discrimination and Disparities, Irreversible Damage to your children.

Those are the units that are outlined by the county, not by Cooper. If the word "identity" bothers you, there are huge issues in your life. Identity is a huge concept for adolescents who are trying to determine who they are and how they fit into their communities. Are they athletic? Artistic? A combination of the two? Are they quiet and introspective? Risk-takers? Conservative in their approach to new things? Are they leaders? Team players? Religious? Community-service-driven? Scouts? Musicians? Readers? Humorous? Dramatic? Son's? Daughters? Siblings?

The identity unit is not political, nor is it "woke." It's relevant to adolescence.

Amazing how we got through school back in the 80s and 90s without any units on “identity.”

We also got through school without our parents sticking their noses into curriculum and telling teachers how to do their jobs.

This. My parents went to Back to School night and that was it. There were no endless PTA meetings, volunteer events, or any of the other nonsense that goes on today. You sent your kid to school, did your own thing, kid came home by themselves, and either you were home, or the kid had a key and let themselves in and took care of themselves on their own.

There was also none of this focus on "identity" nonsense in schools - or elsewhere. The schools taught academics (and basic sex ed). Not so anymore.
DP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

While I personally hold nothing against the topics above, when did English class become a brain washing course with hidden agenda? Why can't the kids simply learn the beauty of the English language, and be inspired by the great minds, even from a complete different time? Or am I living in such a sheltered life that the topics are prevailing way of life now? Shouldn't all the current events be part of civics class?

I don't know if the list is specific to his class or to Cooper, but my question to the wise readers here--what should I do? Tell my kids not to read these books which means going against the school? Or ask for an alternate list?

- It hasn’t. Have you read all of the books? ANY of the books? It sounds like you’re really running wild with your assumptions. So I’d suggest that you read at least a few of the books and see if they offer ways for kids to learn the beauty of the English language, and to be inspired by great minds.

I think it’s bizarre for you to ask for an alternate list — when you apparently haven’t read any of the books. What would you ask for? Books written by dead white people? Books that only reference “current events” from at least 60 or more years ago — and prohibiting any class discussion that relates in any way to more recent current events? I’d be curious to learn how those conversations go.

English class indeed became a brain washing course with hidden agenda. In Cooper's 7th grade English syllabus, a list of concepts of study starts with "Identity", ends with "Change". For parents who want their kids to learn English, go find some other resources for your children. Besides classics, you may introduce the books such as Animal Farm, 1984, Please Stop Helping Us, Discrimination and Disparities, Irreversible Damage to your children.

Those are the units that are outlined by the county, not by Cooper. If the word "identity" bothers you, there are huge issues in your life. Identity is a huge concept for adolescents who are trying to determine who they are and how they fit into their communities. Are they athletic? Artistic? A combination of the two? Are they quiet and introspective? Risk-takers? Conservative in their approach to new things? Are they leaders? Team players? Religious? Community-service-driven? Scouts? Musicians? Readers? Humorous? Dramatic? Son's? Daughters? Siblings?

The identity unit is not political, nor is it "woke." It's relevant to adolescence.

Amazing how we got through school back in the 80s and 90s without any units on “identity.”

We also weren't vaccinated against meningitis, varicella, and HPV. We've advanced since the 80s and 90s.

We also didn't all ride in car seats until we were safe in a seat belt, and many of us rode in a lap belt only. We've learned since then.

Many of grew up getting spanked and harshly punished. We've learned the error of our ways.

Many of grew up being told that depression and anxiety were signs of weakness. Thankfully we've learned that isn't isn't case.

Isn't it INCREDIBLE how we can be better educators, parents, and providers now? Let's do better than what we had.

We are certainly trying very hard at all of these improvements but the proof is in the pudding. Kids these days are anxious, unsocialized, distracted messes.

What can we expect when kids are constantly bombarded with messages that deconstruct their world as they knew it and that are very confusing and depressing:

You are born in the wrong body.
Your parents don’t know anything.
Your parents are haters and racist.
It’s Ok to lie and hide things from your parents.
Men are toxic and abusers.
Women are oppressed and victims.
Climate change is ending the world anytime now.
Whites are oppressors.
Non-whites will ALWYAS be victims.
You ought to be ashamed of being American.
You’ll be shot to death at school.
You are not overreacting: The problems of the world are overwhelming, so it’s normal to feel depressed.
God is not real.

“Constantly?” I’d be really interested in seeing this list annotated with actual examples. None of those things “bombard” the students whose lives and curricula I’m familiar with. Although they are generally aware that school shootings occur, that America is far from perfect, that citizens in many other countries have resources that most Americans lack, and that the vestiges of legal,racial segregation are still very much with us.

Who taught them that nonsense? SMH

[Anonymous]

Is there anything stopping you from going to the library and checking out classics for your kid to read?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

While I personally hold nothing against the topics above, when did English class become a brain washing course with hidden agenda? Why can't the kids simply learn the beauty of the English language, and be inspired by the great minds, even from a complete different time? Or am I living in such a sheltered life that the topics are prevailing way of life now? Shouldn't all the current events be part of civics class?

I don't know if the list is specific to his class or to Cooper, but my question to the wise readers here--what should I do? Tell my kids not to read these books which means going against the school? Or ask for an alternate list?

- It hasn’t. Have you read all of the books? ANY of the books? It sounds like you’re really running wild with your assumptions. So I’d suggest that you read at least a few of the books and see if they offer ways for kids to learn the beauty of the English language, and to be inspired by great minds.

I think it’s bizarre for you to ask for an alternate list — when you apparently haven’t read any of the books. What would you ask for? Books written by dead white people? Books that only reference “current events” from at least 60 or more years ago — and prohibiting any class discussion that relates in any way to more recent current events? I’d be curious to learn how those conversations go.

English class indeed became a brain washing course with hidden agenda. In Cooper's 7th grade English syllabus, a list of concepts of study starts with "Identity", ends with "Change". For parents who want their kids to learn English, go find some other resources for your children. Besides classics, you may introduce the books such as Animal Farm, 1984, Please Stop Helping Us, Discrimination and Disparities, Irreversible Damage to your children.

Those are the units that are outlined by the county, not by Cooper. If the word "identity" bothers you, there are huge issues in your life. Identity is a huge concept for adolescents who are trying to determine who they are and how they fit into their communities. Are they athletic? Artistic? A combination of the two? Are they quiet and introspective? Risk-takers? Conservative in their approach to new things? Are they leaders? Team players? Religious? Community-service-driven? Scouts? Musicians? Readers? Humorous? Dramatic? Son's? Daughters? Siblings?

The identity unit is not political, nor is it "woke." It's relevant to adolescence.

Amazing how we got through school back in the 80s and 90s without any units on “identity.”

We also weren't vaccinated against meningitis, varicella, and HPV. We've advanced since the 80s and 90s.

We also didn't all ride in car seats until we were safe in a seat belt, and many of us rode in a lap belt only. We've learned since then.

Many of grew up getting spanked and harshly punished. We've learned the error of our ways.

Many of grew up being told that depression and anxiety were signs of weakness. Thankfully we've learned that isn't isn't case.

Isn't it INCREDIBLE how we can be better educators, parents, and providers now? Let's do better than what we had.

We are certainly trying very hard at all of these improvements but the proof is in the pudding. Kids these days are anxious, unsocialized, distracted messes.

What can we expect when kids are constantly bombarded with messages that deconstruct their world as they knew it and that are very confusing and depressing:

You are born in the wrong body.
Your parents don’t know anything.
Your parents are haters and racist.
It’s Ok to lie and hide things from your parents.
Men are toxic and abusers.
Women are oppressed and victims.
Climate change is ending the world anytime now.
Whites are oppressors.
Non-whites will ALWYAS be victims.
You ought to be ashamed of being American.
You’ll be shot to death at school.
You are not overreacting: The problems of the world are overwhelming, so it’s normal to feel depressed.
God is not real.

Well, God is not real.

[Anonymous]

This was the gist of the summer reading list (not required by strongly encouraged) at our top private in NYC. I misplaced the list at the start of summer and basically told my DC to ignore it and borrow whatever they enjoy reading from the public library. They are forced to read enough boring stuff during the year that I don’t want them spending even one hour reading books that do not appeal to them (most of the books on your list fall in that category, but frankly so do Shakespeare and Homer).

[Anonymous]

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While I personally hold nothing against the topics above, when did English class become a brain washing course with hidden agenda? Why can't the kids simply learn the beauty of the English language, and be inspired by the great minds, even from a complete different time? Or am I living in such a sheltered life that the topics are prevailing way of life now? Shouldn't all the current events be part of civics class?

I don't know if the list is specific to his class or to Cooper, but my question to the wise readers here--what should I do? Tell my kids not to read these books which means going against the school? Or ask for an alternate list?

- It hasn’t. Have you read all of the books? ANY of the books? It sounds like you’re really running wild with your assumptions. So I’d suggest that you read at least a few of the books and see if they offer ways for kids to learn the beauty of the English language, and to be inspired by great minds.

I think it’s bizarre for you to ask for an alternate list — when you apparently haven’t read any of the books. What would you ask for? Books written by dead white people? Books that only reference “current events” from at least 60 or more years ago — and prohibiting any class discussion that relates in any way to more recent current events? I’d be curious to learn how those conversations go.

English class indeed became a brain washing course with hidden agenda. In Cooper's 7th grade English syllabus, a list of concepts of study starts with "Identity", ends with "Change". For parents who want their kids to learn English, go find some other resources for your children. Besides classics, you may introduce the books such as Animal Farm, 1984, Please Stop Helping Us, Discrimination and Disparities, Irreversible Damage to your children.

Those are the units that are outlined by the county, not by Cooper. If the word "identity" bothers you, there are huge issues in your life. Identity is a huge concept for adolescents who are trying to determine who they are and how they fit into their communities. Are they athletic? Artistic? A combination of the two? Are they quiet and introspective? Risk-takers? Conservative in their approach to new things? Are they leaders? Team players? Religious? Community-service-driven? Scouts? Musicians? Readers? Humorous? Dramatic? Son's? Daughters? Siblings?

The identity unit is not political, nor is it "woke." It's relevant to adolescence.

Amazing how we got through school back in the 80s and 90s without any units on “identity.”

We also weren't vaccinated against meningitis, varicella, and HPV. We've advanced since the 80s and 90s.

We also didn't all ride in car seats until we were safe in a seat belt, and many of us rode in a lap belt only. We've learned since then.

Many of grew up getting spanked and harshly punished. We've learned the error of our ways.

Many of grew up being told that depression and anxiety were signs of weakness. Thankfully we've learned that isn't isn't case.

Isn't it INCREDIBLE how we can be better educators, parents, and providers now? Let's do better than what we had.

We are certainly trying very hard at all of these improvements but the proof is in the pudding. Kids these days are anxious, unsocialized, distracted messes.

What can we expect when kids are constantly bombarded with messages that deconstruct their world as they knew it and that are very confusing and depressing:

You are born in the wrong body.
Your parents don’t know anything.
Your parents are haters and racist.
It’s Ok to lie and hide things from your parents.
Men are toxic and abusers.
Women are oppressed and victims.
Climate change is ending the world anytime now.
Whites are oppressors.
Non-whites will ALWYAS be victims.
You ought to be ashamed of being American.
You’ll be shot to death at school.
You are not overreacting: The problems of the world are overwhelming, so it’s normal to feel depressed.
God is not real.

Yes - the ideas originate from: deconstructionism:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deconstruction

While the original “deconstruct” concepts are old, they are the foundation for what PP describes as happening today, in September 2023.

In essence:

- deconstructionism is the belief “America” is founded on racist (white) and sexist structures, concepts and ideas. The only way to remedy America’s inherent racism and sexism is to completely dismantle or “deconstruct” America’s white structure, and then try to rebuild America using equity and anti-racism as the founding ideas (in place of the ideas of “dead white men”).

However, deconstruction in practice only leads to racial division and even worse racism. PP’s list encompasses many of the unfortunate effects of deconstructionism in 2023 America.