How the Fundamentalist and Patriarchal Teachings Can Create Abusive Atmospheres: Part 1

~ Alexa Myers ~ Leave a comment

It’s taken me a couple of weeks, or more, since the scandal about the Duggars came to light to write my thoughts about it. You might be thinking, why bother, they don’t have anything to do with you, that’s their private business. I agree, up to a point. 1:They are public figures and as such are held to a high standard.  2: The homeschool “curriculum” they use is at the core of why Josh Duggar abused his sisters and babysitter – I too was put through the same teachings growing up.

You’re probably tired of reading about the Duggars by now. I am too. However, for me there is an intensely personal reason that I’m writing about the crap that’s hit the fan. I want to shed a little light on the teachings and atmosphere that the Duggars and thousands of other kids have been raised in since around 1970 (and before) through a particular theology, which creates a perfect atmosphere for abuse, especially sexual abuse. Continue reading →

A life changing decision

~ Alexa Myers ~ Leave a comment

“What single decision changed your life?” I read this question in the “Real Simple” magazine and I thought I would post my answer here.  I would love to hear what single decision changed your life! Let me know if you post something like this on your site please. 🙂

What single decision changed your life?

Wow! There are so many decisions to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one! However, I can trace the many decisions back to one in my teen years, which changed my life’s path for the better. Continue reading →

Camping Trip at Disney!

~ Alexa Myers ~ Leave a comment

My family and I recently went camping at Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Campground. What a fun time! Our first night was peaceful. Sticky, yet peaceful. When we returned to our campsite that evening, we found the bags of plates, utensils and miscellaneous items that I had carelessly left out scattered across the ground. No damage done, so I reminded myself to keep everything locked tight in the car.

I forgot the peanut butter. Continue reading →

New York Teacher Speaks Out, “I have the greatest job; I am a teacher.”

~ Alexa Myers ~ Leave a comment

moreuknow's avatarTeachers of Conscience

I have the greatest job on earth; I’m a teacher. This year, I began my 22nd year at the Ichabod Crane Central School District, where I have taught grades 2, 5, and 6. I love my students and I am very passionate about teaching. I also stay involved with educational shifts and new strategies. I try to exemplify this in the leadership roles I assume as Grade Level Chair, English/Language Arts Liaison, and Middle School Student Mentoring Coordinator. I have always thought of myself as somewhat “old-school” because I respect the chain of command, respect my elders, and consider myself patriotic. I am a rule follower.

For these reasons, I have complied enthusiastically with the implementation of the Common Core Learning Standards and all of the instructional shifts, professional development, and student testing required due to the adoption of the CCLS. Instrumental in our school district’s adoption of a…

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Senate Committee Reaches Agreement on Néw ESEA

~ Alexa Myers ~ Leave a comment

It’s nice to see some Representatives fighting to put control back in the states. Check it out!

dianeravitch's avatarDiane Ravitch's blog

Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Senator Patti Murray (D-Wa.) announced agreement on reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (currently called No Child Left Behind).

The new legislation is called “The Every Child Achieves Act of 2015.” This nomenclature continues the custom of naming the federal aid law with its aspirational goal.

The act maintains annual testing but leaves to states the authority to decide how to use the scores. AYP is gone. The act prohibits the federal government from dictating to states and districts how to “reform” or “turnaround” or “fix” low-performing schools. It allows, but does not require, states to create teacher evaluation systems. “The federal government may not mandate or incentivize states to adopt or maintain any particular set of standards, including Common Core. States will be free to decide what academic standards they will maintain in their states.”

Secretary Duncan will not be pleased. The…

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It’s Back: The No Child Left Behind Rewrite

~ Alexa Myers ~ Leave a comment

“States are not toddlers and the federal government is not a nanny or a parent – unless we are states united under federal dictatorship rather than a constitutional republic of United States”

Every person, especially parents, should be aware of this gross overstepping of our government. Please take the time to educate yourself on the current brainwashing our children are enduring at the hands of our federal government. It is unconstitutional for our federal government to be involved in our children’s education.

Christel Swasey's avatarCOMMON CORE

american mom

You can’t blame people– even Congressmen themselves–  for not wanting to get involved in the current rewrite of ESEA/NCLB.  The hundreds of pages of bill language and amendments are intimidating –and boring.

But boring and intimidating or not, if we believe in “consent by the governed” then, as the governed, we must pay attention.   If we ignore what D.C.  –mostly without constituent knowledge or input –are rewriting for the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law also known as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)– we may regret it.

ESEA/NCLB is such a mangled mess.  HR5, this year’s earlier rewrite of NCLB/ESEA, was remarkably stopped in its tracks.  But now I’m worried that the new rewrite may not be better.  Here’s why.

1.)  The U.S. Constitution never gives any authority to the federal government to boss states around in educational matters.  Congress does not seem to remember…

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What is the Gospel of Peace & Grace? ~ Part 3

~ Alexa Myers ~ Leave a comment

Whew! What a busy couple of weeks! I think I have a light week ahead of me, which I’m greatly looking forward to. 🙂  This morning I went in for Jury summons, but asked to be excused until summer since I homeschool my four kids, which includes a nine year old. I really wanted to be there and serve but can’t take off from teaching right now. I’m happy to say that I was excused.

So, Righteousness…Can God carry out something on someone’s life without their agreement or participation? In Romans 5 Paul tells us because of one man’s (Adam) sin God imputed (brought against us with no reason) sin to every man. Even if you didn’t do what Adam did. One man affected the whole of mankind. Paul gives us a comparison of Jesus, the Last Adam, with the first man, the First Adam. By one man’s sin all were made sinners, and by one man’s obedience all have been made righteous. Continue reading →

What is the Gospel of Peace & Grace? ~ part 2

~ Alexa Myers ~ Leave a comment

So I’m back after a busy week of kids, school and life! Here where I live Spring has sprung. The yellow pollen from the pine trees is beginning to coat everything and my scratchy, itchy throat and eyes tell me that everything else has also begun it’s new season. Aside from the allergy issue I love spring! There is much joy in seeing your hard work in the garden and landscapes bloom and thrive. The changing seasons which come year after year are such a testament to the constancy of God! Continue reading →

What is the Gospel of Peace & Grace?

~ Alexa Myers ~ 7 Comments

I’d like to take some time and share what I believe the Gospel of Peace & Grace is. What did Jesus really do at the cross? Did He accomplish what He said He was going to do? If “It is Finished”, as in done, over, is God still angry at us? If God isn’t angry at us, does that mean there is no law anymore? If there is no law, then there shouldn’t be any sin, right? Continue reading →