About two weeks ago I was working on a new post when one of my former grad students called me. Normally a calm, thoughtful man who always seems to have a plan and a back-up, he sounded harassed–and with no plan.😕 I told him to take a deep breath and tell me how I could help. I suspect that some of you will understand his problem, or something similar to it.

He has two teenagers, and when school went online in March he and his wife made sure that the children were “going to school,” and completing all their tests and papers. No one was happy. The kids enjoy school and missed their classes and friends–even their teachers. Mom and Dad made sure that the kids did what they should, but both parents were working 12-14 hour days seven days a week trying keep their small business alive. School ended in late May,🤓 and thankfully the parents were able to pivot and keep the business above water. When school started again, Dad was able to spend a little time taking a really good look at what the kids were learning. In fact, this was the first time in years that he really checked to see what the school is teaching the kids. He just assumed that they were providing good content. Math and science are fine, and French is well done, but both parents are furious with what they found in English and History. No great books like Macbeth, or 1984. No good books like Pride and Prejudice or A Farewell to Arms. All current books with a very clear point of view.😠 But the reason he called me was because he started reading their US history textbook, A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn. What did I think of it.

Me: “Well, I do have some thoughts, but you know that I keep my thoughts to myself . You really should decide for yourselves once you’ve read through the material.”

Him: “You always did Doc, but I’m specifically asking. I am DONE with what they’re teaching my kids. I need some help!!”

Me: “Ok… (deep breath)… Zinn wrote a one-dimensional book, not looking at anything in the context of the times. He had a doctrinaire point of view–what I consider a hard left bent which I never used for my classes. A textbook should contain facts. Some may be a little dull but they need to be inclusive. His book seems to contain only the facts he prefers.”

Him: Thank goodness! I thought it was just me!!!😨

No, it wasn’t just him. While Zinn’s book have something of a cult following, many other people–and not just professors–find the book seriously flawed. First published in 1980, it was initially used as a college text, and in the past 10 or so years has shown up in high schools. It is a biased book, based largely on secondary sources. Rather than a thoughtful history text, it reads more like a crusade, with few heroes, but many villains from the Pilgrims to the 21st century. Important information is frequently left out or is a side note or throw-away comment. Apparently the Founding Documents were put together strictly for economic motives?!?! The rest of the book follows in the same vein. If it’s your first real foray into history, well, you have no comparison. Add to that the sad fact that kids frequently believe the teacher rather than their parents. How many times have you heard “But the teacher said…?! I can easily understand why my friend was upset!

Regardless of a professor’s personal beliefs, it’s important that we teach our students the facts–ALL of the facts, not just the one’s we prefer–and stand back to allow them to decide for themselves what they believe. Too many professors do everything possible to basically indoctrinate their students–and Zinn’s book is a big part of it. When presented with a different point of view it is made clear that grades would be effected if someone doesn’t follow the party line. Shame on those teachers! It sound very much like what my friends who left Russia, Hungary, Albania, Czechoslovakia, and Cuba say about their schools.

The Dad asked me if I knew any of the kind of books that he’s looking for. I suggested Paul Johnson’s A History of the American People which is a thoughtful, measured book discussing topics from various points of view. Apparently he and a number of the other parents discussed their problems with the school board, and were told that is what children learn in that district. With that, the parents spent a wild week setting up their own “bubble” for twelve children and a teacher who believes in actual teaching. He promised to keep me posted. Interestingly, there are a number of families across the country who are doing similar things, from bubbles, to home schooling to the old one-room school house. And good for them! I always thought that parents are in charge, not the state or the teachers’ union.