1. What is the definition of "American Exceptionalism?"
2. Why does
3. What are the possible benefits or drawbacks of
4.What would be the possible benefits or drawbacks of the federal government controlling the content printed in public school textbooks?
5. Why do "experts" want to eliminate requirements to know the history behind Independence Day, Christopher Columbus, Thomas Edison, etc. from textbooks?
6. Are there certain groups or people behind eliminating patriotic holidays and American inventors? What might be their motives or intentions?
7. How does leaving out certain historical figures and events affect how students understand history?
8. How might leaving out certain historical fitures and events effect the future of our country?
9. Can you think of examples of how American history has already been?
10. Why might Liberals not like the concept of "American Exceptualism" being taught in history class?
Challenge:
1. If you were writing social studies textbook standards, what are the top 10 American figures you would include, and why?
2. Read a live blogger Jonathan M. Saenz's account of the hearings at the Texas Legislative Update Blog: http://texaslegislativeupdate.wordpress.com/
