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Texas GOP: Oppose "Critical Thinking Skills" - 6/30/2012 8:39:02 AM   
dcnovice


Posts: 37282
Joined: 8/2/2006
Status: offline 		Talking Points Memo offers some interesting tidbits from the platform recently adopted by the Texas GOP. Among them is a plank on education:

quote:

We oppose the teaching of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) (values clarification), critical thinking skills and similar programs that are simply a relabeling of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) (mastery learning) which focus on behavior modification and have the purpose of challenging the student’s fixed beliefs and undermining parental authority.


The party's communications director said the inclusion of "critical thinking skills" was a mistake.

Freudian slip, anyone?

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RE: Texas GOP: Oppose "Critical Thinking Skills" - 6/30/2012 8:41:37 AM   
mnottertail


Posts: 60698
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Status: offline 		You see that all the time from teabaggers and neo-cons here, and not all them are from TX.

I think it is pervasive in that party nowadays. If it ain't 'The Way Things Ought To Be', felched right out of Rushes asshole..........

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RE: Texas GOP: Oppose "Critical Thinking Skills" - 6/30/2012 10:19:22 AM   
Winterapple


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Status: offline 		Yes, a Freudian slip or as my grandma use to say they accidentally told the truth.

The fear that a child will grow into
someone who thinks for himself
seems a common night terror for that
crowd.


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RE: Texas GOP: Oppose "Critical Thinking Skills" - 6/30/2012 10:21:01 AM   
DesideriScuri


Posts: 12225
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quote:

ORIGINAL: dcnovice
Talking Points Memo offers some interesting tidbits from the platform recently adopted by the Texas GOP. Among them is a plank on education:
quote:

We oppose the teaching of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) (values clarification), critical thinking skills and similar programs that are simply a relabeling of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) (mastery learning) which focus on behavior modification and have the purpose of challenging the student’s fixed beliefs and undermining parental authority.

The party's communications director said the inclusion of "critical thinking skills" was a mistake.
Freudian slip, anyone?


I think the RP committee that penned this wasn't manned by eloquent speakers trained in "critical thinking skills." Critical thinking skills are, well, critical. I don't think most people are trained in that anymore. I'm currently in a general education composition class. It's been the greatest "English" class I've ever taken. The focus is on persuasive writing and is heavy in class participation and discussion. The instructor is quite closed to discussions of politics and religion, but he does challenge anyone with a strong stance to support it. He's demonstrated that he's open-minded and accepting of any opinion as long as you can support it with credible substantiation. He'll call out anyone, regardless of his own beliefs, if they can't support their statements. This is much like a couple composition classes I had during my undergrad. education that I didn't participate as much as I could have (I found the books mostly dry and not interesting enough to maintain my focus; major flaw I have). Outside of these 3 courses, I have not had any of this type of critical thinking education.

I believe we have done students, including my generation's crop, a disservice by not forcing them to use critical thinking skills, instead focusing on memorization of data. The problem with NCLB is that it focuses on test outcomes, making an incentive to "teach to the test," and a potential for lowering standards to comply. I have yet to talk to any school administrator that liked NCLB (and, my non-scientific study group included administrators that self-label their politics as right and left, and also includes teachers, though I can't state that any of the teachers would self-describe their politics as the right-side of the aisle; they may, but I have no idea if they would or not).

The key in their plank, to me, is in not supporting programs or policies that undermine parental authority. What concerns me is that the Communications Director stated that since the platform has been voted on and accepted, it can't be changed until 2014. That seems to me to smack of either short-sightedness in not allowing for flexibility in the party platform, or a Communications Director that is well-trained in political speak and actually supports the plank as written.

Now, I know there are some that will use what I've written as a way to bludgeon me. I don't understand what kind of perverse pleasure that gives you, but it certainly doesn't move the dialog forward. I would much rather you try to knock down my statements directly, rather than knock my statements by ridiculing me.

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RE: Texas GOP: Oppose "Critical Thinking Skills" - 6/30/2012 10:23:07 AM   
kalikshama


Posts: 14805
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Status: offline 		Cuz Gawd forbid kids rethink homophobia:

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/06/texas_gops_2012_platform_accidentally_opposes_teaching_of_critical_thinking_skills.php?ref=fpnewsfeed

We affirm that the practice of homosexuality tears at the fabric of society and contributes to the breakdown of the family unit. Homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God, recognized by our country’s founders, and shared by the majority of Texans. Homosexuality must not be presented as an acceptable “alternative” lifestyle, in public policy, nor should “family” be redefined to include homosexual “couples.” We believe there should be no granting of special legal entitlements or creation of special status for homosexual behavior, regardless of state of origin. Additionally, we oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction or belief in traditional values.

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RE: Texas GOP: Oppose "Critical Thinking Skills" - 6/30/2012 12:57:57 PM   
dcnovice


Posts: 37282
Joined: 8/2/2006
Status: offline 		Good points, DS. Thanks!

quote:

I think the RP committee that penned this wasn't manned by eloquent speakers trained in "critical thinking skills." Critical thinking skills are, well, critical. I don't think most people are trained in that anymore. I'm currently in a general education composition class. It's been the greatest "English" class I've ever taken. The focus is on persuasive writing and is heavy in class participation and discussion. The instructor is quite closed to discussions of politics and religion, but he does challenge anyone with a strong stance to support it. He's demonstrated that he's open-minded and accepting of any opinion as long as you can support it with credible substantiation. He'll call out anyone, regardless of his own beliefs, if they can't support their statements. This is much like a couple composition classes I had during my undergrad. education that I didn't participate as much as I could have (I found the books mostly dry and not interesting enough to maintain my focus; major flaw I have). Outside of these 3 courses, I have not had any of this type of critical thinking education.


Sounds like a fascinating, and challenging, class.

quote:

I believe we have done students, including my generation's crop, a disservice by not forcing them to use critical thinking skills, instead focusing on memorization of data. The problem with NCLB is that it focuses on test outcomes, making an incentive to "teach to the test," and a potential for lowering standards to comply. I have yet to talk to any school administrator that liked NCLB (and, my non-scientific study group included administrators that self-label their politics as right and left, and also includes teachers, though I can't state that any of the teachers would self-describe their politics as the right-side of the aisle; they may, but I have no idea if they would or not).

I remember when the testing-testing-testing ethos was taking root, a teacher friend lamented that it stressed everyone out all year and robbed them of the time/energy to pursue interesting things that came up in the course of learning. At that point, fourth grade was a huge testing year in New York, and any teacher with seniority moved to other grades, with the result that you had the most inexperienced folks left coping with the tests.

_____________________________

No matter how cynical you become,
it's never enough to keep up.

JANE WAGNER, THE SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF
INTELLIGENT LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE

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RE: Texas GOP: Oppose "Critical Thinking Skills" - 6/30/2012 1:28:51 PM   
Hillwilliam


Posts: 19394
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Status: offline 		If Right Wingers allowed critical thinking skills, they'd be out of business.

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RE: Texas GOP: Oppose "Critical Thinking Skills" - 7/2/2012 3:56:26 AM   
Fellow


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quote:

If Right Wingers allowed critical thinking skills, they'd be out of business.


This is wrong understanding. Right wing politics in principle focuses on individual liberty, self regulation and in minimal government involvement. Left wing ideal is a centrally regulated, managed society (nanny state). Individual thinking in the last are not as important. Soviets (extreme left wing) did put right wing out of business. How were advanced thinking skills progressing there?

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RE: Texas GOP: Oppose "Critical Thinking Skills" - 7/2/2012 4:12:30 AM   
Moonhead


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Fellow

This is wrong understanding. Right wing politics in principle focuses on individual liberty, self regulation and in minimal government involvement.


Where does it do that, then?
Under your last right leaning President right wing principle seemed more concerned with the removal of civil rights, military spending and an increase in the scale and funding of government authority. Maybe the Chimp was a Marxist or something?

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RE: Texas GOP: Oppose "Critical Thinking Skills" - 7/2/2012 4:51:24 AM   
servantforuse


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Status: offline 		The chimp that is in office didn't seem to eager to restore any civil rights Bush took away. He didn't change anything. Gitmo is still there and so is the Patroit Act.

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RE: Texas GOP: Oppose "Critical Thinking Skills" - 7/2/2012 7:42:13 AM   
Hillwilliam


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quote:

ORIGINAL: servantforuse

The chimp that is in office didn't seem to eager to restore any civil rights Bush took away. He didn't change anything. Gitmo is still there and so is the Patroit Act.

What has that to do with critical thinking?

You're showing yourself to be a poster boy for post #7.

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Kinkier than a cheap garden hose.

Whoever said "Religion is the opiate of the masses" never heard Right Wing talk radio.

Don't blame me, I voted for Gary Johnson.

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RE: Texas GOP: Oppose "Critical Thinking Skills" - 7/2/2012 7:43:41 AM   
Owner59


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quote:

ORIGINAL: servantforuse

The chimp that is in office didn't seem to eager to restore any civil rights Bush took away. He didn't change anything. Gitmo is still there and so is the Patroit Act.

Without getting into your bigotry.....

What civil rights did the President take away(or not restore)?

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RE: Texas GOP: Oppose "Critical Thinking Skills" - 7/2/2012 7:44:41 AM   
Hillwilliam


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Fellow

quote:

If Right Wingers allowed critical thinking skills, they'd be out of business.


This is wrong understanding. Right wing politics in principle focuses on individual liberty, self regulation and in minimal government involvement. Left wing ideal is a centrally regulated, managed society (nanny state). Individual thinking in the last are not as important. Soviets (extreme left wing) did put right wing out of business. How were advanced thinking skills progressing there?


Right wing politics USED to focus on "individual liberty, self regulation and minimal government involvement" a few decades ago.

Now, Right Wing politics focuses on religious dogma.

Religious dogma does not allow critical thinking.

< Message edited by Hillwilliam -- 7/2/2012 7:45:12 AM >

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Kinkier than a cheap garden hose.

Whoever said "Religion is the opiate of the masses" never heard Right Wing talk radio.

Don't blame me, I voted for Gary Johnson.

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RE: Texas GOP: Oppose "Critical Thinking Skills" - 7/2/2012 7:50:58 AM   
mnottertail


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quote:

ORIGINAL: servantforuse

The chimp that is in office didn't seem to eager to restore any civil rights Bush took away. He didn't change anything. Gitmo is still there and so is the Patroit Act.


Gitmo is not closed due to congress' refusal to allow the relocation of the incarcerated to prisons in the US.  You have heard about it, it made the papers and the media for weeks, Oh, wait a minute, you watch Faux Nuze...remember how Obama was going to deliver pork to the prison in Illinois?   That's the one.   

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RE: Texas GOP: Oppose "Critical Thinking Skills" - 7/2/2012 9:05:48 AM   
Fellow


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quote:

Right wing politics USED to focus on "individual liberty, self regulation and minimal government involvement" a few decades ago.

Now, Right Wing politics focuses on religious dogma.

Religious dogma does not allow critical thinking.


Yes, It depends how we look at it. I was referring to theory, not to actual politics. Meanings of the terms are blurred. GW Bush achieved one of the biggest increases in the government. The same could be said about liberal left. They get into the office and forget the same day what they stand for, instead they become "bipartisan" (synonym of doing nothing).

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RE: Texas GOP: Oppose "Critical Thinking Skills" - 7/2/2012 6:14:13 PM   
LookieNoNookie


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quote:

ORIGINAL: dcnovice

Talking Points Memo offers some interesting tidbits from the platform recently adopted by the Texas GOP. Among them is a plank on education:

quote:

We oppose the teaching of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) (values clarification), critical thinking skills and similar programs that are simply a relabeling of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) (mastery learning) which focus on behavior modification and have the purpose of challenging the student’s fixed beliefs and undermining parental authority.


The party's communications director said the inclusion of "critical thinking skills" was a mistake.

Freudian slip, anyone?


Whether it's the GOP or the Dems....putting yourself on any stage enables you to make all kinds of slip ups.

Speaking at 7 - 25 locations a day surely gives you the advantage of totally fucking up.

Not a surprise for me...was it for you?

(Why?).

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RE: Texas GOP: Oppose "Critical Thinking Skills" - 7/2/2012 8:36:17 PM   
dcnovice


Posts: 37282
Joined: 8/2/2006
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quote:

Whether it's the GOP or the Dems....putting yourself on any stage enables you to make all kinds of slip ups.

Speaking at 7 - 25 locations a day surely gives you the advantage of totally fucking up.

Not a surprise for me...was it for you?

(Why?).


I agree about slipping up while speaking. I'm a tour guide at a historic house, and I sometimes wince at what comes out of my mouth.

But this was a formal, written platform, crafted by God knows how many folks and approved by the state GOP convention.


< Message edited by dcnovice -- 7/2/2012 8:37:24 PM >

_____________________________

No matter how cynical you become,
it's never enough to keep up.

JANE WAGNER, THE SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF
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RE: Texas GOP: Oppose "Critical Thinking Skills" - 7/3/2012 4:05:01 PM   
LookieNoNookie


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quote:

ORIGINAL: dcnovice

quote:

Whether it's the GOP or the Dems....putting yourself on any stage enables you to make all kinds of slip ups.

Speaking at 7 - 25 locations a day surely gives you the advantage of totally fucking up.

Not a surprise for me...was it for you?

(Why?).


I agree about slipping up while speaking. I'm a tour guide at a historic house, and I sometimes wince at what comes out of my mouth.

But this was a formal, written platform, crafted by God knows how many folks and approved by the state GOP convention.



Who also get tired and allow stupid things to slip through.

When I listen to a politician (or an actress or an actor or Deepac Chopra......SP?) I tune out all but every 27th word.

I generally get either, all that which they intended to say (and I can read a book in between) or, I get all they intended to say with all the bullshit removed.

Either way, I'm less amazed, more knowledgeable and, in the end I've spent way less time.

"Oh look....their lips are moving again....." Hmmmmmmm.

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RE: Texas GOP: Oppose "Critical Thinking Skills" - 7/3/2012 4:38:07 PM   
Lucylastic


Posts: 40310
Status: offline 		on page 20 of their platform it says
Knowledge-Based Education – We oppose the teaching of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) (values clarification), critical thinking skills and similar programs that are simply a relabeling of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) (mastery learning) which focus on behavior modification and have the purpose of challenging the student’s fixed beliefs and undermining parental authority.
http://s3.amazonaws.com/texasgop_pre/assets/original/2012Platform_Final.pdf

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RE: Texas GOP: Oppose "Critical Thinking Skills" - 7/3/2012 4:42:25 PM   
GotSteel


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quote:

ORIGINAL: DesideriScuri
Now, I know there are some that will use what I've written as a way to bludgeon me. I don't understand what kind of perverse pleasure that gives you, but it certainly doesn't move the dialog forward. I would much rather you try to knock down my statements directly, rather than knock my statements by ridiculing me.


Regardless of whether or not one agrees with your position I hope we can all admit that was a thought out well articulated argument.

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