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Regarding “Extremist Ideology Already Taken Over the State's Public Schools” (Opinion Exchange, April 7): Kathryn Kirsten raises concerns about Minnesota Department of Education's social studies standards, evokes an atmosphere of conspiracy . The standards are “strewn with these buzzwords.” The words she mentions are “decolonization,” “settler colonialism,” “dispossession,” and “resistance.” For Kersten, this kind of emotional expression is nothing new. Writing in the Star Tribune in December 2009, she wrote that the University of Minnesota's School of Education and Human Development preached that race, class, and gender politics “should be the 'overarching framework' for all teacher education courses.” expressed fear of what was happening. ”
Well, due to the imprecise and subtle nature of language, Kersten puts a special interpretation on these words. But what alternative language is she proposing? Is she saying Minnesota should follow the same path as Florida's “Don't Say I'm Gay”? Or do you want to ban the content? Furthermore, Kersten does not seem to respect the open-mindedness and curiosity of young people. Apparently she believes that these young minds can be easily indoctrinated by philosophies contrary to her own. Instinct tells us that most of our philosophies about everything – race, politics, science, etc. – are formed primarily outside the classroom, in our families and social circles, and in the news media.
Additionally, Kersten worries that the standards could “turn public schools into boot camps for political activism.” This is an interesting comment from someone who is a senior researcher at an organization that lobbies on Capitol Hill. Lobbying falls under my definition of “political activist.” Besides, don't we want our citizens to be political activists? I think we call that system of governance “democracy.”
Finally, Kersten laments the politics of the members of the committee tasked with revising these standards. To be fair to Kersten, I will withhold judgment on her comments. We hope that a Department of Education spokesperson will respond to her concerns.
Richard Masser (Minneapolis)
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I appreciated Katherine Kersten's direct and revealing column on the Minnesota Department of Education's revised social studies standards.
Last year, I read the draft standard and, like many others, provided feedback on the draft standard. My comments and others that are questionable have been incorporated because they go against what the far left has proposed.
Furthermore, I felt that this standard was more intended to make a political statement than to truly educate children. Although the language is designed to make these new standards appear innocuous, a closer look reveals that they are based on ideology and narrative.
Sadly, while student performance across the state remains mediocre, the focus of MDE under this administration is now on politics.
You probably need to rename MDE. I recommend changing to MDP (Minnesota Political Department) or MDI (Minnesota Ideological Department).
Despite ever-increasing funding, we continue to fail our children. If you have a high graduation rate despite the majority of students not meeting the standards set, this would seem to indicate that you are pushing students into a life of unpreparedness, which may lead to further cause problems.
If MDE focuses on educating children rather than indoctrinating them, children are more likely to succeed in life.
Dale Probasco, Bacchus, Minn.
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Good education requires students of all ages, including Star Tribune readers, to think critically about the information presented and to distinguish fact from opinion. The author of Sunday's commentary is the founder of the Center of the American Experiment, a Minnesota-based think tank that advocates conservatism and free-market principles. While she is entitled to her own opinions and her own “extremist ideology,” I would like to remind readers, given the historical facts presented by historians such as Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz and Ilan Pape, to I hope you support what she says about settler colonialism.
Minnesota's new social studies standards (based on the author's description) sound consistent with historical facts.
Laura Lucero, Minneapolis
data center
Eliminate these people who consume a lot of energy
Two bills in the state Legislature subsidize data centers by providing sales tax credits (SF 4983/HF 4929).
On the surface, these bills serve a useful purpose, keeping Minnesota competitive with other states for new cloud and e-commerce “data centers.”
The bill defines “data center” only in terms of structure and content (computers, cooling systems, security systems), but not its purpose. Cryptocurrency mining would be targeted, and I think it's bad public policy to subsidize things like Bitcoin and NFT creation.
The costs of energy and “e-waste” (such as used circuit boards) are high. We are making better use of renewable energy and the strategic minerals needed for the renewable energy transition, such as copper, nickel and cobalt.
The bill (currently before the House Taxation Committee) should be amended to eliminate any purpose that would prevent Minnesota from achieving its clean energy goals.
Steve Chesney, Brooklyn Park
tragedy
It's all a matter of perspective
I'm curious to see the word “tragedy” used to describe the experience of one family who lost their home to a fire for two reasons (“Triumph from Tragedy” April 7). . Years ago, a fire destroyed my house down to the studs, and I still remember gratefully that the fire chief called it “friendly fire.” afternoon) injured or killed in a fire. We couldn't agree more. Having home insurance and receiving support to temporarily relocate while rebuilding after a fire does not rise to the level of tragedy in my world.
The second reason why the word “tragedy” seems out of place in this story is that while this disruption is very real, millions of individuals and families have their homes blown up or blown away every day. This is because it pales in comparison to experience. I am experiencing this right now as I write. People around the world are being torn from their homes by war and climate-related disasters.
Please let us spread awareness of the deep suffering happening around us. It helps us put our own experiences into perspective.
Beth Rademacher, Minneapolis
twins
put the ball in play
It's no wonder Patrick Rousset is unhappy about the Twins' offense (“Too Little Swings, Twins Still Reign as Strikeout King,” April 7). Sure, the pitch clock and other changes help move the game along, but what fans really want to see is the action on the bases. I love this game, but I even find the walks, whiffs, and occasional home runs incredibly boring. I'd rather see a combination of bloops and steals score points than wait for random explosions. It's time for Twins management to realize that today's sports fans, especially younger sports fans, expect action and entertainment. Baseball as a whole needs to consider incentives for players to hit with contact instead of hitting with long drives (while watching pitches that could have been hit go to waste). Tell the statisticians to think about the greater good and make the game fun for fans to enjoy again. And for the love of the game and profitability.
Pamela J. Snopple, Minneapolis