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dxs's avatar

What do you think about this religious curriculum (ACE)?

Asked by dxs (15160points) April 29th, 2014

I was watching a Judge Judy case (Link here if you want to see) about a christian school who used the Accelerated Christian Education (“ACE”) program. I looked up some information on it because I am writing a research paper about this, and I’m wondering where they’re backed by the law. Can vouchers be used on these schools? This article provides some examples like the ones I found on the databases I read. I can’t believe over 7000 children are being subjected to this unfair indoctrination. Feel free to share any experiences, too.

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12 Answers

Dan_Lyons's avatar

Judge Judy is not real. she’s like a reality show judge. Most of her decisions have no basis in law.

elbanditoroso's avatar

I think this is an example of “short term gain, long term pain”.

The students using this curriculum don’t know enough to question it—it’s imposed on them by their parents and their teachers, according to the beliefs of those parents and teachers. In some ways this is “feel good” teaching—the parents are pushing a philosophy that makes THEM comfortable.

The problem is what happens when the kids get out of elementary of secondary school and have to function in actual society. Will the kids who have been taught that god is responsible for everything ever take responsibility for themselves? Will these kids be able to function in a creative and competitive environment?

I don’t know, and clearly more long term research needs to take place. My guess is that the product of this environment is someone who cannot think outside the box, because the box is all that the person has ever been exposed to.

BeenThereSaidThat's avatar

@Dan_Lyons Judge Judy is a retired Judge who was on the bench here in New York. She made her reputation as a very good Family Court Judge. She was even featured on 60 minutes many years ago.

http://www.biography.com/people/judge-judy-9542275#awesm=~oCQw7CCsJOXiq2

SpatzieLover's avatar

I don’t like ACE anymore than I like Common Core, but I prefer a free society.

We’re secular homeschoolers. Our decision to homeschool is scrutinized by those that prefer public schooling.

KNOWITALL's avatar

Most people eventually question beliefs. Giving religious schooling, in our area, is a better overall education.

dxs's avatar

I think it violates the First Amendment. Beliefs are being forced on them and so they cannot profess their own. They aren’t even given a chance to because they are being taken advantage of. And they are pretty much taught not to express their beliefs (see 2nd and 3rd links below). @elbanditoroso I agree completely.
Here are some pages directly out of the curriculum:
http://www.aceministries.com/curriculum/samples/socialstudies/level_6/?size=lg
The majority of their social studies curriculum is Bible history. A lovely 4000 year timeline from creation to now gives a good summary.

http://www.aceministries.com/curriculum/samples/socialstudies/level_5/?size=lg
Read the comic. That’s what happens if you think freely.

http://www.aceministries.com/curriculum/samples/science/level_4/?size=lg (turn the page until you see page 4)
There’s a ton of emphasis on being submissive and never questioning authority—indoctrination at it’s finest.

How is this justified?

@KNOWITALL Then the public schools need to be reassessed.
@Dan_Lyons They are real cases, only the final decision is based off of Judge Judy’s opinion and not necessarily the law.

SpatzieLover's avatar

@dxs Explain how ACE violates the First Amendment when taught at a parochial school?

dxs's avatar

@SpatzieLover That doesn’t make a difference:
Beliefs are being forced on them and so they cannot profess their own. They aren’t even given a chance to because they are being taken advantage of. And they are pretty much taught not to express their beliefs (see 2nd and 3rd links below).
I would consider this a limitation to the Free Exercise Clause.

KNOWITALL's avatar

@Dxs IT’s no better or worse than being raised by any other subculture. Anti-govt, Environmental radicals, etc…

dxs's avatar

@KNOWITALL I won’t deny that bias is inevitable, but I think that schools can at least teach freethinking so that people can form opinions on their own. I wonder if this is possible somehow.

SpatzieLover's avatar

@dxs So do you think public schools teach free thinking?!

KNOWITALL's avatar

@Dxs God encourages us to question. As a theist I can assure you that ‘choice’ & ‘free will’ are emphasized.

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