The sad thing is the longer Dreyfuss is in play as the “pitch man” then the more he is identified with the product…that is civics I guess in this particular case. How long before we hear, “I’m not a degree holding historian, but I play one on TV…..”

Where did I say that “it was” the wrong venue. I said “was this”. I include “?” marks. I said “were these”…..

Maybe you are feeling a bit self-conscious.”I don’t know”?

What could it possibly mean to say that my school may have been the wrong venue? Do you think my school is that different from others just because it is a private school? Dreyfuss also spoke at a public school that same day and had an even worse experience. I am glad to hear that his message is getting through in certain venues and I am not surprised to hear that it worked at Gettysburg. It seems to me his problem may be with connecting with high school students, regardless of whether they attend private or public school. You seem very comfortable poking at my school without committing. In the post you describe us as “elite” and here as the “wrong venue.” If it makes you feel better to do so than so be it, but perhaps you should refrain from saying anything at all given how little you know. Again, I understand that you make a point to quality your claims, but why make them at all?

Chris

I’ve started every class with a discussion about yesterday and just about every student gave Dreyfuss a negative review. They were highly offended by his behavior, especially the way he handled the questions from the students on the panel. I am confident in saying that our students experience civil discourse throughout their four years at my school. Dreyfuss needs to reevaluate his whole message. Perhaps he should begin with a little teaching to experience the challenges that the vast majority of educators face on a day to day basis.

Or, even better, since much of our Common Law was influenced by Mosaic Law, someone could have answered Dreyfuss and then asked him to cite the 10 commandments.

;o)

If anything I am a bit jealous. I would love to work at a private school and make private school money. Maybe after 5-6 more years teaching AP and with my masters I will get the chance.

I don’t think there is anything I would have done different if I were Levin.

My point, and I guess I’ll spell it out. Dreyfuss was addressing students who would have responded better to a far more different approach. They attend an elite school (diverse or not) with highly educated students with highly trained instructors such as Levin. I may disagree with Levin and I know I had crossed over the line a couple of times, for which I apologized, but I have never question his ability as a teacher and if I had I would apologize for it; not my intention.

Dreyfuss should approached the topic of the Bill of Rights by asking students if they knew it? And was it important for every American to know the basics behind the Bill of Rights? That would have stimulated dicussion and not alienated the audience. Though I will say I don’t think that question should have alienated anyone, I guess it depends on context… I could tell you the basic rights for each amendment, but I couldn’t give it word for word…who could? I doubt he asked that much, but I was not there.

That’s all my post was about, and I was really impressed with that school’s website! I went there looking for more info on Dreyfuss and his visit, that is all.

Chris