DoubleplusUNgood!

Hey parents, there's a new school in town! Actually, it's in Calabasas, California. The New Village Academy is ready to fill the heads of your little angels with all sorts of new age thoughts and ideas! Methodologies used by the school include Montessori, Gardner, Bruner, and Study Technology*. Subjects included in the curriculum include Mathematics, literacy, Spanish, karate, yoga, robotics, technology, etiquette, art, and living skills. According to the school's 'Glossary of Educational Theories,' one of the [many off the wall] glossary terms is the one below. Let's take a closer look:

*Study Technology - An educational model developed by L.R. Hubbard, study technology focuses on three principles. First is the use of “mass” (manipulatives and hands-on experiences) to foster understanding – children need to see and feel what they are learning about. Second is the attention to the “gradient,” which ensures sure students master one level before moving on to the next. Third is the “misunderstood word,” in which students master word definitions and are taught not to read past words they don’t know the meanings of in order to understand completely what they are reading and learning. NVA uses study technology as an umbrella methodology woven through the subjects.

Hmm. "Developed by L.R. Hubbard." That's L. Ron Hubbard** the bad science fiction author, whose crazy adherents went on to found Scientology. Yep, they're now teaching Scientology to our kids. And why not? Many of the teachers at the school are Scientologists!

Under the school's 'Core Values' is this:

Equity:
1. No child should be denied access to equitable education based on race, income or religion. [this, of course, would only pertain to those religions not of the "Christian" variety]
2. Our students are “world citizens”, learning in an environment where no group comprises a majority or minority.

As well, all students will learn how to be good little communists:

Personal Excellence (note it says personal excellence, yet the descriptions below don't really demonstrate this)

1. An individual’s level of production is directly related to one’s relationship to oneself and one’s chosen group(s).
2. Individual success cannot be achieved without the support of the group(s).
3. The group’s success and progress is dependent on the initiative and participation of every member.
4. One must produce to be an effective member of the group.

And under their 'Leadership Development and Ethics' there is this:

From their first days on campus, students learn of the School’s expectations as outlined in the School’s 3 R’s.

The 3 R's? You mean, reading, writing and 'rithmetic? Oh no, not something as old and outdated as all that. No, these 3 R's are: Responsibility, Rights and Respect:

RESPONSIBILITY:
I am responsible for the words I use.
I am responsible for the behavior I display.
I am responsible for making the world a better place.

RIGHTS:
Everyone has the right to his or her own opinions and feelings. (except if you're a Christian)
Everyone has the right to be safe and happy.
Everyone has the right to learn with no distractions.

RESPECT:
Respect everyone.
Respect school property.
Respect the environment.

Now be a well-behaved little Goodthinker. Anyone not following this system will be guilty of Thoughcrime, and may be subject to becoming an Unperson, or worse yet, Room 101!

Have a doubleplusgood day!


**L. Ron Hubbard quote: "Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wanted to make a million dollars, the best way to do it would be start his own religion."

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