The Education Station: James A. Garfield (huh?)

.comment-link {margin-left:.6em;} > Observations from the world of education from a senior in the College of Education at Idaho State University

James A. Garfield (huh?)

I was doing some research on James Garfield this morning (I know, not much of a life) and came across a quote of his that is reflective of the kind of teacher I want to be:

"I love agitation and investigation and glory in defending unpopular truth against popular error."

Many classrooms are ruled today not by historical fact, but rather by political correctness. We as teachers must be willing to stand up to "popular errors" and teach not what we think happened, or what we wish happened, but rather simply what did happen. For example:

Less than 24% of Southern families owned slaves In 1860. 75% of those who did have slaves owned less than nine. Yet many history books depict a 'Roots' environment where slaves were regularly beaten and starved by ruthless corporate farmers. Would a farmer today slash the tires and cut the spark plug wires of a tractor that wouldn't start one morning? Of course not. So why would a farmer in 1860 beat his slave -- keeping him out of the fields for days or even weeks, leaving the slave-owner to do the hard work. It most certainly did happen, but not to the extent that are texts would suggest.

Students deserve the whole truth, and not just a slice of it

# posted by Farid Rushdi @ 2:30 PM

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Sweet Home, Education

This is the College of Education at Idaho State University. Unlike many other teacher-education programs around the country which tilt decidedly left [and to be fair, some tilt to the right as well], the I.S.U. program is politically benign, placing its emphasis and efforts on preparing today's students to become tomorrow's teachers. How benign? I had the opportunity to have dinner with the college's dean, Dr. Larry Harris. We were discussing our favorite presidents, and the question of Bill Clinton came up. Dr. Harris looked at me and smiled, and said, "Well, Farid, I think we may have differing opinions on Mr. Clinton -- perhaps we ought not get into it tonight."

I have took my first COE class in 2002, and in all that time, there hasn't been a single case of political discomfort brought upon the students by the professors or administration.

And that's the way it should be.

About Me

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I am a 49 year old father of six. Born in Beirut Lebanon, I have lived in dozens of countries world-wide and ten states here in America. Although I was born in the Middle East, I consider Washington, D.C. my home town. I have lived in Pocatello Idaho since 1991. Although D.C. is a great place to enjoy life, Idaho is a great place to raise your children. My kids have benefited from the safe surroundings and quality education we have here.

Two of my six children were born with serious physical and mental handicaps, which has made my life anything but normal [don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have had it any other way]. Kendi died two years ago at the age of 20 due to a nurse's error during a routine medical procedure. I miss her so very much.

After 30 years in the business world, I have gone back to school to get my teaching degree. I am currently a junior at Idaho State University in Pocatello.

My wife Tracey and I have been happily married for 26 years. She is more than special; she is that which makes my life worth living. Without her, I'd be nothing.

I am a religious conservative, but I don't believe that my views are absolute or absolutely right. I come from a land where diverse opinions were silenced, so America's diversity of thought makes it a very special place for me.

I am a lucky man. My wife loves and respects me, and all of my children treat their father better than I treated mine.

I couldn't ask for any more.

My home town: Pocatello Idaho

Pocatello is a city of 50,000 nestled in Southeastern Idaho. Home of Idaho State University, Pocatello was founded as a railroad town in the late 1800's. Today, it is an inexpensive, safe, family-friendly place to live.

My Wife Tracey

Tracey & I have been married for 26 years. Her father was in the Air Force, and she spent much of her childhood years in foreign lands around the world. Tracey is a talented artist. She has won several blue ribbons for her porcelain dolls

Kira And Aaron

Kira and Aaron were married in 2003. She recieved her second degree from Idaho State University and works with special needs children. Aaron attends ISU and works at UPS.

Kendi

Kendi was born with severe physical and mental handicaps. Even at the age of 20, she wore a diaper, and had to be fed by her mother or I. She spent her life in a wheelchair, but that didn't stop her from enjoying every moment she was on the earth. She died in 2003 due to a nurse's mistake during a routine medical procedure. I miss her so much

Kristen And Mark

Kristen & Mark were Married in August, 2005. Kristen will receive her 2nd degree from BYU-Idaho in December in construction management. Mark has recently returned from an LDS church mission and will begin attending college full-time next spring

Kourtney

Kourtney will graduate from high school next spring. She has already taken several college classes. She has wanted to be a mortician since she was 12

Katie

Katie was born with the same genetic disorder as her sister Kendi, though not as severe. Katie is able to walk, even run. She cannot talk but has learned a 100 word sign vocabulary. She loves to go for long walks [I push her in a special stroller] around the neighborhood

Korth

Korth loves all sports, but excels in baseball. He has been on post-season all star teams each year he has played. He spends a great deal of time playing with his handicapped sister so that she always has something "fun" to do

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