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This is the answer to one of our communications with him:


Yes, the materials were for Language Arts grades 7 & 8. I am not aware of any official guidelines for non-curriculum materials. In fact, there is evidence in my files that supplemental materials are encouraged. For example, many of my lesson plans submitted to administration earlier included supplements, and lessons modeled by the English supervisor included personal materials. Also, the English supervisor encouraged me to use human rights issues from the Internet during the earlier administration of CRTs. Thus, I imagine the only guidelines at that time were to use prudence and, of course, not to use any books on the questionable books list without permission. In regard to the challenged section, the Scientific Inquiry paragraph, I wrote the paragraph using the structure of that writing methodology, of which we had a large chart in the classroom. For this, I did not specifically reference materials; the content is common knowledge, but I did notice that similarly scoped data could be found in the school library. Although the quotes and the general information on the first part of the handout were not specifically challenged, these did stem from our literary studies from within the context of the course. I believe materials were used appropriately. One would hope the teacher has reasonable academic freedom to properly use common knowledge in writing composition courses when composing. Of course, this is what I've been asking Omaha Public Schools to comment on, but to this point they have produced no reply. Given the lapse of time, it appears that they just hope I've gone away. However, if OPS is against using Scientific Inquiry in composition courses, I think their mission statement and policies/procedures should be revisited. When a paragraph regarding life issues is questioned, while other supplements go unquestioned, perhaps the public school system's fear is surfacing. Perhaps OPS Board members could initiate change in this regard. We will leave it in God's hands . . . . Terry

The explanation of what happened as told to us by the teacher:



Well, here are the basics as recalled. These events took place at Lewis & Clark Middle School of the academic year 2006-2007 in Omaha Public Schools, where I taught Language Arts 7 & 8. Of course, a large emphasis was placed on writing skills, including a Criterion Referenced Test (CRT) on a human rights issue. We covered a multitude of writing styles, including Scientific Inquiry, throughout the year. Our literature and writing assignments incorporated a number of human life experiences. As a final project or writing assignment, I simply asked the students to reflect on all we had done throughout the year and to write one well-developed paragraph to demonstrate their best writing. On one handout, see attachment, I included a brief warm-up exercise, where the students were to reflect. This was used to help remind students of the difference between fact and opinion, such as your name is factual but the best name you can think of for a baby is an opinion, and so on. The back included a paragraph, using the Scientific Inquiry method, to discuss when human life begins, from a scientific point of view. Students were left to read this on their own and to use it as a model if they wished. It was offered as just an example. Although the hope was to give students an opportunity to expand on life issues from a human rights perspective, they were not steered in that direction. In fact, they were additionally given a list of multiple topics on which to write their own paragraphs.

On Tuesday, May 22, 2007, Dr. Lisa Sterba, Principal, entered my classroom, waving one of the handout copies. She said she had found it on the hall floor. (However, I did not give students any copies.) She told me I could not use this because abortion is a personal, religious issue. I corrected her, noting that abortion is a human rights issue, and that furthermore the handout says nothing specific about abortion or religion. She made a comment that it could offend someone. She seemed surprised that I had already used the handout. She complained that she would get calls from offended parents. I told her to forward any calls to me, that I would be delighted to speak with parents. She also seemed displeased that I had quoted saints, saying that they aren’t saints to Muslims. Then she left.

When I arrived home, I found a voice mail from the Personnel Office saying to report to Dr. Hodges office on Wednesday, May 23, and not to report to school. The next morning, I was told that I was being placed on “Personal Leave” with full benefits so that an investigation of my using unauthorized materials in the classroom could be investigated. Mr. Virant, representing Dr. Hodges, specifically said the paragraph discussed abortion. I objected that no mention of abortion was given. He revoked his original wording, and said I still needed to get permission to use materials outside the curriculum materials provided. When I said that all the facts I used in the handout are available in the school library, he said the issue is whether it was age appropriate. (I had just said the facts are also in the school library!) He cut me off when I attempted to provide further information. He said I would receive a reply of the outcome and that I would be given an opportunity to respond. This was not honored. I was asked if there were any personal items that I needed from my classroom, and I was forbidden to return to the school without permission. He said I was not to discuss this with anyone from the school. I voiced concerns about final grades. He said this would be noted. Ms. Regan witnessed this meeting.

Several days passed, with no response to my emails and phone calls. Finally, after the last day of school had passed, Mr. Virant replied to one of my phone calls, saying in a message to go ahead and get my things anytime, but to notify the administration when I would be on the school property.

Still, I have never received an official reply to my satisfaction. Also, Mr. Mackiel, Mrs. Kostos, and Ms. Tyree were sent an email, and I received the reply, which I will forward. Later, I received notification that my resignation had been accepted, but still no official reply as to why I was denied my rights to academic freedom, why the students were denied the opportunity to finish their projects under my instruction, and why tax payers were burdened with funding an unnecessary and unasked for “Personal Leave.”

There is still the need for closure here, I believe, so I am pleased that you are reviewing this. Let me know of any recommendations. Certainly, I would ask that this information be shared with anyone that could use it to promote justice and the truth.

Also, I will just mention that Ms. Wernsman, the English supervisor from TAC, subsequently sent me an email saying that she was withdrawing her recommendation from my Credential File based on these events.

Thank you and God bless you in your work!

OPS Forced Teacher to leave

05/29/2008

OPS Forced Teacher to take "Personal Leave" for Teaching Scientific Inquiry and

for using an example
"To Determine
When Life Begins"

At the end of the school year in 2007, a language arts teacher prompted

students to think creatively and analytically by using one of the writing styles

they had learned.

The teacher quoted Martin Luther King, Jr.'s letter from Birmingham Jail

in 1963 regarding just and unjust laws. Dr. King quoted Socrates and St.

Augustine.

A picture of an unborn baby at 5 months was on the handout. Students

were encouraged to name the baby and write a factual sentence regarding the

relationship between the great thinkers of the past, themselves and the baby.

On the other side of the handout was an example of Scientific Inquiry writing

style mentioning that "If life really begins at conception, it would be expected

that fetal development show signs of human characteristics as time passes.

Special photographic methods have been used to photograph fetal development at

all stages.. Based on these results, it is indeed plausible to state that

human life begins at conception."

Thank you for your support

05/09/2008

Nebraskans United for Life wishes to thank everyone for joining us in a Tribute to Life and

Motherhood with your contribution for the full page ad in the MIDLANDS section, of the Omaha

World-Herald, Sunday, May 11th.

It is our contention this ad is a way to show respect for God's precious gift of LIFE.


NUL offers educational programs and political lobbying
Endorsement of Pro-Life Candidates

And for the past seven (7) years we have offered services:

FREE PREGNACY TESTS, PEER COUNSELING, CHASTITY & ABSTENCE PROGRAMS, FREE LENDING LIBRARY, A

SPEAKERS BUREAU

Material & monetary assistance to distressed pregnant women and women suffering from post-abortion

trauma Free STD testing *

The ad should be an effective way to reach and offer our teenagers positive, practical alternatives

to abortion and make our concerns known to the entire state of Nebraska.

Thanks again for your support and prayers.

Writing for Life,



Ann M. Bowen

NUFL's Mother's day tradition

05/11/2008

This year is the 35th annual tribute to Motherhood sponsored by Nebraskans United for Life. Just like every year, we would like to request your assistance and participation in our Mother's day ad in the Omaha World Herald. The ad will appear on 05/11/08 and will be a full page (provided that a sufficient number of pro-lifers take part).

To make this a reality we are asking you to join this state-wide effort and encourage others, to add their name & support.
You can send your Mother's day ad donation ONLINE by clicking on the button below or contact us to make other arrangements at 143 S. 38th St. 68131-402-399-0299 fax402-399-0501 or info @ NebraskansUnitedForLife.org .

Our suggested tax deductible donation is $15 + any extra donations you would like to include at this time.
VISIT OUR SITE TO LEARN MORE!

Suggested Tax-Deductible Donation $15

NUFL is proud to announce its new blog!
The purpose of this blog is to give an extra opportunity to our members and visitors to comment on life issues such as abortion, euthanasia, etc.
We also encourage our community to post information regarding political issues related to life.
We are here to educate, protect, promote and encourage a culture of life.
Welcome to our blog, and we hope to see you participate soon!
Micaela,
The WebMaster.-