The Oregon Dept of Education

In Oregon, they’ve gone too far
In terms of education,
Instructing teachers hoping to 
Prevent discrimination.

A course designed to tackle
Racial tendencies in math
States that “getting the right answer”
Sends kids on a toxic path.

Requiring the students to 
Display the work they’ve done
Reeks of “white supremacy culture,”
As the message has been spun.

Instructors will be told not to
Perpetuate the thought
That there are always answers,
Right or wrong, that must be sought.

Before this, sports in schools declared
No losers were allowed,
For “everyone’s a winner”
Made each student feel so proud.

But mathematics in that model
Doesn’t quite belong,
For adding 2 plus 2
And getting 5 is simply wrong!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Leffanta Avatar
February 26, 2021 at 10:47 AM
I think it is great schoolchildren need only access their cellphone to find an answer to everything, but - as we see in Texas today - what happens when the power goes out and they can't recharge their batteries? Children must learn to rely upon their own abilities because wrong answers are more than troublesome! Aloha! Rico
Krutsinger Avatar
February 26, 2021 at 12:42 AM
I think now 2 plus 2 does equal five and this is okay. I am not the one to ask though; just the word math freezes my blood. Nice job!
Devonshire Avatar
February 24, 2021 at 1:43 PM
So Oregon doesn't encourage students to get the right answer? That's inane. I don't see where this helps any student, regardless of race. Sure, encouragement in sports is great, but 2 and 2 will never equal 5 and we're making a mistake if we allow students to think it might. Very good poem, Ilene. Really appreciate this message. Best wishes, Carolyn
Andresen Avatar
February 24, 2021 at 12:13 PM
.... omg. child of the future ... how is it going to end, Ilene - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Ball Avatar
February 24, 2021 at 11:09 AM
Oh I do so agree. What has race got to do with whether or not you can solve a problem?! If you ask me it is a racial slur NOT TO TEACH THE KID THE SAME WAY OTHERS ARE TAUGHT SO HE WON'T LOOK STUPID. If he needs extra help get it for him that's what they did when I went to school. However these are the end times and The Bible says that in those days wrong will seem right and right will seem wrong. Well said here. Bravo. God Bless, JB
Hankins Avatar
February 24, 2021 at 11:03 AM
When I learn these things, I am simply perplexed. And I wonder, will our kids ever recover? Great job of bringing this to our attention in poetry. Good work, Ilene!
Cunningham Avatar
February 24, 2021 at 10:44 AM
The whole world has lost the plot, nothing surprises me anymore.
Allison Avatar
February 24, 2021 at 10:34 AM
How crazy is that it takes political correctness to a whole new level :-( Hugs Jan xx
Hinshaw Avatar
February 24, 2021 at 9:45 AM
Very well stated, Ilene. Sure glad I don't have kids in school the way things are going today! Bob
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