Conservatives in Kansas and Nebraska are aiming to capture majorities on the state school boards in this year’s elections to influence classroom teachings. The focus is on limiting discussions of racism, diversity, and social and emotional learning (SEL), which conservatives see as promoting liberal values. Efforts to teach soft skills are being scrutinized, with some believing that they veer into social engineering.
In Kansas, the State Board of Education has a history of debates over topics like evolution, with the current chair, Democrat Melanie Haas, facing a challenge from a Republican candidate, Fred Postlewait. In Nebraska, hard-right Republicans are seeking to flip two seats to gain control and make policy changes such as banning certain books and materials from schools.
The push to emphasize social and emotional learning has been met with criticism from some conservatives, who argue that it takes away from academic rigor. State officials, however, believe that these programs are necessary for students to succeed both academically and socially. With board elections looming, the outcome could impact the direction of education policies in the states.
Overall, the debate over curriculum content and teaching approaches is heating up in both states, with conservatives pushing for more control over what is taught in classrooms. The upcoming elections will determine the direction of education policy in Kansas and Nebraska, with implications for students, teachers, and the broader community.
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