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Prepares Students for Life

In his Nov. 30, 2023 letter (“Undermines the Agenda”), Kendall Svengalis continues to criticize the initiatives of Guilford Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Freeman and the direction of our school system’s curriculum. To bolster his case, Svengalis references Branford’s former superintendent, Armand Fusco. Fusco has self-published several books that use hyperbolic language to advance themes critical of curricular reform.

Indoctrination is a favorite word in the writings of Svengalis and fellow Guilford’s Public Schools (GPS) critics. I think these critics would agree that indoctrination is a good thing when our students repeatedly recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sing the national anthem along with other patriotic songs. I, too, favor repeated study of our founding documents, all levels of government function, and how to actively participate in our fragile democracy. After all, too few adults recall these things. Our founding documents were aspirational. Our society has made steady, albeit erratic, progress toward those ideals of fairness and justice for all.

A better way to frame the discussion is “cultivation” or tilling the field to develop habits of mind. Rather than indoctrinating a particular viewpoint, GPS presents diverse views of history and culture. Our students then go a step further through library research, collaborative projects, and group discussion. Guilford’s faculty strives to create a safe environment whereby even unpopular viewpoints can be heard and respected. This approach develops the habits of mind of critical analysis and develops a deeper understanding through the ability to argue for the opposition’s opinion.

What does Svengalis advocate? Rather than thoughtful analysis, he appears to favor indoctrinating a white-washed view of America. Our founding documents were aspirational. Realizing those ideals requires life-long skills. Under the leadership of Freeman and the Board of Education, GPS prepares students for life beyond the safety of our lovely town.

Larry Rizzolo

Guilford