You must not realize, in California we are limited by standards. As such a gifted person surely you might have realized that. I think it has been mentioned before. We in California are required to teach what has been mandated by the standards, and what is tested on the standardized tests (principals require this). Anything else- like extra history, art, music, whatever, has to be squeezed in after the standards have been taught. Unfortunately it frequently takes all the instructional time up teaching the standards which will be tested. There is a great deal of money riding on the results of the tests.
The mantle of giftedness has been passed on to you, BTW. I think any child who understood the meaning of God based on the documents written concurrently with the Declaration of Independence is far, far more gifted than anyone here. Perhaps you should write to the curriculum committee in California and make suggestions to them, thus giving all of California the benefit of your giftedness. I'm sure they would be ever so grateful. It seems a shame for you to waste any of that giftedness here.
FYI- this is the grade one standard, that most relates to the point in question:
1.3 Students know and understand the symbols, icons, and traditions of the United States that provide continuity and a sense of community across time.
1. Recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sing songs that express American ideals (e.g., "My Country 'Tis of Thee").
2. Understand the significance of our national holidays and the heroism and achievements of the people associated with them.
3. Identify American symbols, landmarks, and essential documents, such as the flag, bald eagle, Statue of Liberty, U.S. Constitution, and Declaration of Independence, and know the people and events associated with them.
I've not met one kid in the early grades who could do all these things. Probably because history is not tested on the Sat 9. And most teachers in grade one are trying to get all their kids to read. This is deemed the major goal in first grade. |
