by Helen Sabin, Corvallis
Social Emotion Learning (SEL) and Brain-Based Learning are hitting the Corvallis schools in the fall. WHY? What happened to academics? Why is the school board wasting money on these two fads that claim to “fill the gap” in Corvallis’ children and “…replace what parents used to instill in them – faith family beliefs and values?”
According to Karen Effrem, M.D., Jane Robbins, J.D., and Kevin Ryan Ph.D. in their March 2019, article, Social-Emotional Learning, K-12, Education as New Age Nanny State, …”SEL represents progressive education’s greatest victory in its campaign to transform our public schools and the nature of America Itself…freeing it from the prejudices of family, church, and tradition.” Go online, look up the article at Pioneer Institute Public Policy and read it.
Corvallis ranks # 16 according to Niche.com behind Hamilton Schools which are ranked # 9 and Missoula # 8. Ratings are based on state tests and reviews by actual students and parents. Test scores show, 48% of students are proficient in math and 54% in reading. The average SAT score is 1140 out of 1600, and ACT is 23 out of 36. The overall grade for the district is a B. Instruction costs 66% of the budget and support services 30%. Student/teacher ratio is 16:1 The district spends $9,452 per student and the average teacher salary is 52K.
Money and lots of it are being wasted on supposedly “training” teachers to assume the role of psychologist and accumulate date not only on the child but on YOU, the parents. This data will follow the children from K-12 and you may not be allowed to see it. One mother is suing a school district over this fact. This data could be harmful to YOUR CHILD in the future and even now. Demand academics, not personality shaping, brainwashing, and manipulation that could be harmful to our children. Say NO to SEL collecting psychological/behavioral data on our children.