You have learned from your Superintendent that a school board in Florida - in a district not dissimilar to yours - has adopted a new curriculum policy which requires that all social studies and literature courses above the sixth grade be explicit about "teaching the value, virtues and merits of our American culture." The policy requires that students be taught that "American culture is superior to all other cultures foreign and historical ." The policy also states that curriculum materials must not be used in the schools which violate the policy through "excessive criticism of our American way of life; our social, religious, political or economic institutions; or through aggrandizement or high praise of other nations and cultures."

The board did not define any of the key terms in its policy nor is it likely to do so in the future. It is clear from the debate from which the policy emerged and from what has been reported in the press about the ideologies of board members, that the policy is meant to challenge the letter and the spirit of a new Curriculum of Pluralism which was recently promulgated by the State Board of Education. In difference to the local policy, the state's curriculum framework is based on the premise that all cultures are worthy and that students should respect cultural and language differences in others.

The teachers union has filed legal suit against the Florida school board claiming that the new policy is an infringement on academic freedom, that it shows a lack of respect for their hard earned credentials and experience, and that it limits the flexibility they need for teaching important concepts in literature and social studies. The president of the local union was quoted as saying "Our members do not wish to become outlaws by teaching about the greatness of ancient Greek and Roman cultures. And we do not want to be silenced about Japanese theories of business when we teach our business courses. How can we improve our own national perspectives if we do not study our deficiencies?"

The Superintendent has given you a copy of the suit filed in the Florida case along with a compendium of key arguments, collected from various sources, for and against the new curricular policy.

"FAX me a copy of your draft at the hotel by noon tomorrow," she adds, as he jumps into a waiting cab on his way to the airport.

Your assignment is to prepare a policy memorandum (as requested by the superintendent) for your adopted school district. You will need to summarize the issues, review the options, and recommend a policy position to your own superintendent who will then take up the matter with your school board.

At a minimum, you should address the following:

"Should our board adopt a similar policy and if so, why or why not?" was the way the superintendent posed the problem to you as he rushed off to attend an out-of-town conference.

Use any format you wish for you memo to the Superintendent. The memo will be confidential and is for his eyes only. Limit your response to six typed pages (double spaced) and be sure to include the following:

• the possible options he could recommend;
• the pros and cons of each option
• your recommended option and rationale for it
• the likely consequences of this choice
• any possible follow up that may be needed
• a "backup position" should one become necessary