Hellbound #3: What a NYC Middle School Social Studies Teacher Didn’t Know About Pakistan
By Roberta Rosenberg on Nov 7, 2007 in Hell-bound, Occasional Rantings
My brother is a sales rep for a publishing company which specializes in geographical materials for grades 1-12. His territory is NYC. He called me today to share one of his little “On the Road” stories.
Brother gets a call and is invited to do a presentation for a group of social studies teachers in a NYC middle school. Brother comes in and prepares his presentation which, because my brother likes to be timely, includes some patter on the current events unfolding in Pakistan and map of the region.
A little show, a little tell, and presentation is over and well-received. As Brother is packing his case up, one of the social studies teachers approaches him and remarks what an effective presentation it was.
“Thank you,” says Brother. “I thought it was important to use the crisis in Pakistan as an example of bringing current events to the teaching of geography with your students.”
“What’s going on in Pakistan?” inquired Teacher.
“???” thought Brother. “The constitutional crisis, democracy up ended, the jailing of the lawyers and judges, riots in the streets?” responded Brother.
“Really? I wasn’t aware.” said Teacher.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen. We’re all going to hell and taking civilization and our kids along with us. The barbarians are truly at the gates.
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[tags] middle school social studies, pakistan, geography, hellbound [/tags]
Nathania Johnson | Nov 8, 2007 | Reply
Oh my goodness, this happens all the time at my kids’ elementary school.
Last year, my daughter’s teacher taught her that Korea was part of China and that the Philippines are in South America.
This year, she was taught that Shanghai was the capital of China and that Bush was supposed to call up the National Guard in Louisiana after Katrina.
No matter what you feel about Bush, it’s always a governor’s responsibility to call up the National Guard in an emergency.
We’re so desperate for teachers in this country. I hope this doesn’t happen when we’re desperate for doctors!
HeavyGod | Nov 27, 2007 | Reply
Really good and really interesting post. I expect (and other readers maybe :)) new useful posts from you!
Good luck and successes in blogging!