Reply to Cooper 7th Grade Book List

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]

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?

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- 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.  [/quote]
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.
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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. [/quote]

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

Yes, and many adolescents of that time struggled because they felt that who they were didn't fit the definition of what they were "supposed to be."

I was musically-inclined, but suppressed that part of who I was because it didn't fit the image of what I "should" have been-- a basketball player, to match my height of 5'11" in eighth grade. I felt forced into athletics when I actually wanted to be involved in the arts.

My best friend began college as a pre-law major because she felt that is what she "should" have been since both her parents were attorneys. She finally felt comfortable studying what she wanted to study when she was entering her fourth year. She was miserable in college until she felt comfortable speaking up. But no one ever asked her what she wanted.

My cousin had little interest in taking AP science classes, but he was told that was the track he was on in school, so he didn't feel comfortable fighting that. He wanted to follow his love of languages, not science, but no one ever asked him what he wanted.[/quote]

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