I tend to think that the school curriculum itself is a product of the society, and so having or not having things in the curriculum that are not a direct skill probably doesn't make much difference. If Texas is trying to push crap into the curriculum, chances are the kids are already learning that crap outside of school. If they aren't, then it's unlikely to make much difference (think of religious education at school).

I'd argue parents have a larger role, and largely their views are reinforced by bubbles of social media (lemmy included). Parents decide who kids spend time with, and have a lot of influence over schools as well.

[–] absGeekNZ 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

There is probably a lot of truth in your observation; but I see that there are specific groups trying very hard to modify the curriculum, there is a big role in exposing kids to ideas that are outside their familial roots, but also reinforcing those views that are put forward in the family.

The external religious "education" in schools push is a good example in NZ.

[–] Dave 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

In the religious education example, I had a religious education session's once a week as a kid in the 90s. This was at a public school.

I also know many people who went to religious high schools. Anecdotally it seems the people who are still religious are the ones with religious families. The ones that are athiest or agnostic (most of them) came from families where religion wasn't pushed. I don't feel the religious education really made much impact on whether people believed in God. Basically, like yesterday's discussion, you can't change people's values by teaching.

[–] absGeekNZ 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I'm more concerned with the religious stuff making it into the curriculum; being more than once a week, and being taught by "authority" figures.

Kids generally do reflect the familial values; but they are also susceptible to other views.

[–] Dave 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Yeah, I think like you I would accept kids learning about Christianity at school, but would be upset if it was part of the curriculum (unless it was to learn about all NZ's common religions).

[–] absGeekNZ 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

If the education was on religion that is no problem, I have an issue with RE as is almost always about a specific religion.

[–] liv 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It's also normally not by a trained teacher. Mileage varies but I know someone whose RE teacher cried at each session. That must have been a bit weird for all involved.

[–] absGeekNZ 3 points 1 year ago

That would be messed up