Originally Posted By Shooba <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2005/EDUCATION/11/25/liberal.quiz.ap/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.cnn.com/2005/EDUCAT ION/11/25/liberal.quiz.ap/index.html</a> BENNINGTON, Vermont (AP) -- A high school teacher is facing questions from administrators after giving a vocabulary quiz that included digs at President Bush and the extreme right. Bret Chenkin, a social studies and English teacher at Mount Anthony Union High School, said he gave the quiz to his students several months ago. The quiz asked students to pick the proper words to complete sentences. One example: "I wish Bush would be (coherent, eschewed) for once during a speech, but there are theories that his everyday diction charms the below-average mind, hence insuring him Republican votes." "Coherent" is the right answer. Principal Sue Maguire said she hoped to speak to whomever complained about the quiz and any students who might be concerned. She said she also would talk with Chenkin. School Superintendent Wesley Knapp said he was taking the situation seriously. "It's absolutely unacceptable," Knapp said. "They (teachers) don't have a license to hold forth on a particular standpoint." Chenkin, 36, a teacher for seven years, said he isn't shy about sharing his liberal views with students as a way of prompting debate, but said the quizzes are being taken out of context. "The kids know it's hyperbolic, so-to-speak," he said. "They know it's tongue in cheek." But he said he would change his teaching methods if some are concerned. "I'll put in both sides," he said. "Especially if it's going to cause a lot of grief." The school is in Bennington, a community of about 16,500 in the southwest corner of the state.
Originally Posted By Shooba "I wish Bush would be (coherent, eschewed) for once during a speech, but there are theories that his everyday diction charms the below-average mind, hence insuring him Republican votes." is kind of funny (and according the teacher is meant to be tongue-in-cheek), but such blatant political statements are perhaps out of place in the classroom? I did find the question amusing though...
Originally Posted By woody Yes, it is out of place. It also speaks of ignorance of Bush's popularity so I'm not sure the teacher is being clever, but showing his own "below average" knowledge of the subject. If the teacher wants to be funny, he should try harder.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<It also speaks of ignorance of Bush's popularity so I'm not sure the teacher is being clever, but showing his own "below average" knowledge of the subject.>> The guy didn't say Bush was unpopular. He just noted in passing who Bush is popular with. <<but there are theories that his everyday diction charms the below-average mind, hence insuring him Republican votes.>>
Originally Posted By woody I can't believe you're taking the joke seriously. Bush is popular to those who voted for him. That's a majority. Does it take a genius to know that?
Originally Posted By StillThePassHolder "Does it take a genius to know that?" Apparently it takes you.
Originally Posted By StillThePassHolder "I'm the genius. Thanks.' Well, you know what they say about people who call themselves geniuses....
Originally Posted By woody I thought you called me a genius. No thanks for diverting the topic. You must be slow.
Originally Posted By cmpaley Push Push back Push back Push back Push back I feel like I'm watching South Park.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan >>"I wish Bush would be (coherent, eschewed) for once during a speech, but there are theories that his everyday diction charms the below-average mind, hence insuring him Republican votes."<< Note to teacher: The correct word in that sentence would be "ensure," not "insure." If you're going to inject political rants into your teaching methods, don't eschew proper vocabulary useage. It makes them less coherent. ; )
Originally Posted By cmpaley woody, you and STPH are trading barbs, not making points. It's childish.
Originally Posted By woody "woody, you and STPH are trading barbs, not making points. It's childish." The South Park reference is so grown-up.
Originally Posted By StillThePassHolder I was trying to be light hearted, since the teacher in question was as well, but I guess it didn't work.
Originally Posted By cmpaley >>The South Park reference is so grown-up.<< That was meant to be a joke. My apologies.
Originally Posted By Lake Nona Used to live in Vermont, remember there US Congressman is a socialist, the former mayor of Burlington, VT. Very liberal state. That's why some Vermonters sneak to New Hampshire to the state run liquor store because on no sales tax. The same can also be said on Xmas shopping.
