Did Florida Education Dept. Approve Climate-Denial Content Comparing Climate Science to Nazism?
Did Florida Education Dept. Approve Climate-Denial Content ... Snopes.com
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Claim:
The Florida state Department of Education approved content that denies or minimizes the reality of anthropogenic climate change and compares climate science to Nazism as an optional supplement to the state’s social studies curriculum.
Introduction
On July 24, 2023, Marissa Streit, the CEO of the nonprofit conservative activist group PragerU, announced that the group’s “PragerU Kids” content had been approved as a source of supplemental educational materials in Florida schools. The Florida Department of Education confirmed this fact, stating that the PragerU content aligns with Florida’s revised civics and government standards and can be used as supplemental materials at district discretion.
About PragerU
PragerU is a nonprofit organization that provides a free alternative to left-wing ideology in culture, media, and education. However, it has faced criticism for publishing inaccurate and inflammatory claims about history, race, and science. The organization is heavily funded by donors from the oil industry.
Controversial Content
Content created for PragerU Kids often discounts the reality of climate change and demonizes those who discuss it. Experts have warned that these videos target young and impressionable kids with messages supporting fossil fuels and casting doubts on renewable energy resources. They aim to grow the next generation of fossil fuel supporters.
Example Video: Ania’s Energy Crisis
One example video denies the severity of climate change and compares individuals who promote climate change science to Nazis. The video tells the story of a Polish girl named Ania who faces backlash for doubting climate change and transitioning to alternative fuels. Her family compares her struggle to their experiences during the Warsaw uprising against the Nazis.
Approval in Florida
The video mentioned above, categorized as a “Global Issues” and “Honest” lesson, has been approved as a supplement to Florida’s revised social studies standards. However, it is important to note that this approval does not make PragerU content a required part of any curriculum. It simply places the content on a list of approved vendors that school districts can choose to use for their social studies material.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The approval of PragerU Kids content in Florida schools raises concerns regarding SDG 13: Climate Action. By denying the severity of climate change and promoting fossil fuels, these videos hinder progress towards mitigating climate change and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Conclusion
Florida’s approval of PragerU Kids content that denies climate change and compares climate science to Nazism is concerning. While the content is optional and not required in the curriculum, it has the potential to influence young minds and hinder progress towards achieving SDG 13. It is important for educators and parents to critically evaluate the materials used in schools to ensure accurate and unbiased education.
Sources:
- About Us | PragerU. https://www.prageru.com/about
- Ceballos, Ana. “Indoctrination in Florida Schools? PragerU’s Conservative Content Aims to Change Minds.” Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2023, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article277741678.html
- “Florida Approves Use of Conservative Content from ‘Prager U’ in Schools.” Wtsp.Com, 11 July 2023, https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/education/florida-approves-prager-u-conservative-content-schools/67-f147ab5e-61a8-44f6-a797-7e248ec29eaf
- Milman, Oliver. “Videos Denying Climate Science Approved by Florida as State Curriculum.” The Guardian, 10 Aug. 2023. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/10/florida-ron-desantis-climate-vidoes-school-curriculum
- Olmstead, Molly. “The Quasi–White Nationalist Content Coming to Florida’s Public Schools.” Slate, 31 July 2023. slate.com, https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2023/07/prageru-florida-schools-extreme-education.html
- Parent Alert: PragerU Kids Is Now Approved Curriculum in Florida Schools | PragerU. 20 July 2023, https://www.prageru.com/video/parent-alert-prageru-kids-is-now-approved-curriculum-in-florida-schools
- Poland: Ania’s Energy Crisis. www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pneZc2_YCHw
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the approval of PragerU Kids content as supplemental educational materials in Florida schools. This is connected to SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all. The content of PragerU Kids has been criticized for publishing inaccurate and inflammatory claims about history, race, and science, including climate change denial. This connects to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development.
- SDG 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
The approval of PragerU Kids content in Florida schools raises concerns about the knowledge and skills being provided to learners. The content denies the severity of climate change and promotes misinformation, which goes against the target of SDG 4.7. Additionally, the content demonizes those who discuss climate change and promotes fossil fuels, which contradicts the target of SDG 13.3.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These include:
- Review and assessment of educational materials by the Florida Department of Education to determine alignment with revised civics and government standards.
- Evaluation of the impact of PragerU Kids content on young children’s understanding of climate change and renewable energy resources.
- Monitoring the use of PragerU Kids content in Florida schools and assessing its influence on students’ perspectives on climate change.
These indicators can help measure progress towards ensuring that learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed for sustainable development (SDG 4.7) and improving education and awareness on climate change (SDG 13.3).
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development. | – Review and assessment of educational materials by the Florida Department of Education to determine alignment with revised civics and government standards. – Evaluation of the impact of PragerU Kids content on young children’s understanding of climate change and renewable energy resources. – Monitoring the use of PragerU Kids content in Florida schools and assessing its influence on students’ perspectives on climate change. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning. | – Review and assessment of educational materials by the Florida Department of Education to determine alignment with revised civics and government standards. – Evaluation of the impact of PragerU Kids content on young children’s understanding of climate change and renewable energy resources. – Monitoring the use of PragerU Kids content in Florida schools and assessing its influence on students’ perspectives on climate change. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: snopes.com
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