Science Teachers Org responds to Laurie David

[proud2BlibKansan]

NSTA Press Release
NSTA Statement on November 26 Washington Post Op-ed "Science à la Joe Camel"
Nov 28 2006

On November 26, the Washington Post printed an opinion piece from environmental activist Laurie David, a producer of the film "An Inconvenient Truth." In her op-ed Ms. David reports that NSTA rejected the opportunity to distribute 50,000 copies of the DVD to NSTA members.

During conversations with Ms. David's representative we suggested making the DVD available via alternative means of distribution (e.g. by providing a mailing list of our members to producers, announcing its availability in our publications, etc.). It appears that these alternative distribution mechanisms were unsatisfactory.

It was not the intent of the NSTA to restrict "An Inconvenient Truth" from its members and we are currently pursuing options to make the DVD available to teachers.

In the op-ed Ms. David goes on to characterize NSTA as a willing corporate America partner that eagerly pushes corporate messages about the environment.

This is not true.

more . . . http://www.nsta.org/pressroom&news_story_ID=52959

This is a very interesting press release. It goes on to defend corporate interests and their "contributions" to NSTA while completely ignoring the fact that they are obviously controlled by corporations with an agenda. As a teacher, the big problem I see is that corporations have a bottom line named PROFIT while teachers' bottom line is what is best for kids. Hence, a HUGE conflict.

NSTA also has a discussion board and most of the posters there are pretty upset over the refusal to distribute the film.
http://www.nsta.org/main/forum/showthread.php?t=1867

[Richard Steele]

1. They state, "This is not true"...and then admit that it is.

Not like we didn't know that already, of course.

Was this really a REBUTTAL, or a thinly-disguised
cry for help?

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. I would imagine it was written by someone at ExxonMobil

One of the discussion board members thinks it was written by an attorney - another interesting theory.

[bryant69]

3. Corporations are willing to pay; people aren't

What are you going to do?

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. Teaching Orgs existed and thrived long before corporate America discovered them

It is time for their influence to end.

On edit - I mean corporate America's influence.

[bryant69]

7. People used to be more civic minded

And, at any rate, I'm sure they still got business money - just more from local businesses rather than large corporations.

Bryant

[proud2BlibKansan]

8. Actually, no, I doubt it

I have sat on several task forces over the past 3 decades with a goal of involving the business community in our school district. It is an ongoing need and the business community is usually unwilling to do much.

[Toots]

11. People may not be willing but pay they do

Or do the corporations just print money? They get money from someplace don't they?

[proud2BlibKansan]

15. The question is where will the money come from to run this

organization (NSTA) and others like it? Corporate America saw an opportunity and grabbed it. I can remember what NSTA and IRA (Reading) and NCTM (Math) were like before the business world got ahold of them. All it took was to dangle a little money in front of teachers who normally get no frills and the door was opened wide to ExxonMobil and the API, etc. Small regional conferences held at schools turned into lavish national affairs held at convention centers where the free goodies handed out by the likes of API are more attractive than the keynote speakers.

SRA McGraw Hill has taken over IRA and that picture is about the same as the one we are seeing this week of NSTA.

These organizations are not promoting educational practices and good teaching. They are now promoting whatever corporate America tells them to promote.

[katinmn]

5. I wish we could pass an education tax on the oil companies

That way public interest groups who need the money for education get the money but aren't controlled by it.

America has been privatized.

[proud2BlibKansan]

9. Privatization has RUINED education

They told us 20 years ago to resist it and many of us did try but they have jumped in and thanks to No Child Left Behind I doubt we will rid ourselves of them.

[Tansy_Gold]

6. That NSTA discussion thread is verrrrry interesting

Well worth the time to read, as every single poster on it was more enlightening about the NSTA's covert political position than the previous.

And maybe the NSTA leadership (?) isn't reading, but I'll bet Laurie David is. . . . .




TG

[proud2BlibKansan]

10. Yeah I enjoyed those responses too

I was so relieved to see that their members think this is as bad as we here at DU do.

[blogslut]

12. kicked

and recommended :)

[JHB]

13. So because NSTA won't actively promote ATI, it's a corporate shill?

There's a gap between those to positions that I don't think you're connecting all the way.

[proud2BlibKansan]

14. What's ATI?

Yes, I believe NSTA is a corporate shill because these corporations want something in return for the money they donate to NSTA. They are not selfishly promoting science education, they are promoting their own political agenda. And because the bottom line for any business is profit, they are not about to promote an agenda that does not increase their profit margin.

Preventing and reducing global warming, reducing pollution and teaching kids to be earth friendly are activities that do not fit into ExxonMobil's agenda. The American Petroleum Institute promotes OIL and fossil fuels. An Inconvenient Truth graphically explains why we need to reduce our dependance on fossil fuels. No wonder the API does not promote this movie.

It's not a leap to call NSTA a corporate shill when NSTA allows corporations to dictate to them. If you can 't see that, you aren't looking closely enough.

[jsamuel]

21. A graphics card company

:P

I am sure they meant AIT (An Inconvenient Truth)

[proud2BlibKansan]

16. evening kick

[Uncle Joe]

17. Thanks for posting proud2Blib

I believe the corporations with an agenda of the dumbing down of America have tentacles in all aspects of our lives. The mass corporate media is just the most blatantly observable, it seems they are in the schools as well.

Kicked and recommended

[annabanana]

18. Interesting forum. . . . . n/t

[Gwerlain]

19. My first reaction was to wonder if the director of the NSTA...

had any interesting political connections. Anybody do any googling?

[proud2BlibKansan]

23. I googled her but didn't find much

Linda Froschauer, president of the National Science Teachers Association. Froschauer has taught in Weston Public Schools, Greenwich, Conn., since 1985. Outside the classroom she has worked as an instructor for Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry; as a writer/consultant for many publications; and as a field editor, reviewer and consultant for numerous organizations. The National Science Teachers Association, based in Arlington, Va., is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.

[Mabus]

20. Like Tansy_Gold said, that forum is interesting

Great comments.

Moreover, it appears that people are signing up to comment on this topic. I noticed a few posters with less than 5 posts commenting on that thread.

[proud2BlibKansan]

22. LOL I think you know some of those posting.

:evilgrin:

[Mabus]

24. I know way too many teachers

Over 50% of my friends are or have been teachers. From kindergarten teachers to college professors, most of the people we know are teachers. I've even got 'em in my family. My dad was a HS science and math teacher for a few years. Hell, I've given lectures to classes.

:grr: What is wrong with me. :banghead:

As for the posters, no doubt I know who some of them are. ;)

[buddysmellgood]

25. Some NSTA board members should get a hint from the Colorado peace-wreath

board members.