Exactly my point. When we teach Virginia history we do so as part of  
the whole of history. There is a context to any regional history,  
even Virginia history, that comes from outside. Perhaps we need to  
discuss it the same way. Because without context history cannot be  
understood.

In my opinion there are serious limitations to the SOLs (having just  
spent the last year teaching US I and US II). What is included is  
sometimes relatively inconsequential. And what is left out fairly  
significant. Quick name the three battles you need to know from the  
Revolution. How about the big three from the Civil War? Were Sherman  
or Sheridan important? But then it all depends on what you consider  
important. As an example Georgia O'Keefe is included in the SOLs. I  
realize she graduated high school here in Virginia. So there is a  
Virginia attachment. But she spent most of her life, both adult and  
child, somewhere else. And is best known for paintings she did  
outside of Virginia of flowers and the Southwest. So her choice due  
to the Virginia link is tenuous. But of all of the American artists,  
why Georgia O'Keefe? There are lots of others I can think of: George  
Catlin (Western Indians). Winslow Homer (seascapes), the Hudson  
School (landscapes), how about Ansel Adams?

James Brothers, RPA
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On Jun 26, 2007, at 17:43, Anne Pemberton wrote:

> James,
>
> The Virginia SOLs are for FAMOUS AMERICANS, not strickly  
> Virginians. You would not want Virginia children to grow up not  
> knowing about the famous people from around the country who helped  
> shape this great nation, now would you?
>
> By the way, Virginia had its own Rosa Parks in Irene Morgan. If you  
> don't know who Irene Morgan is (not was, she's still alive), check  
> out: http://www.educationalsynthesis.org/famamer/Morgan.html
>
> The Virginia SOLs have their limitations. For example, Virginia  
> children learn that Virginia contributed eight presidents. In  
> truth, they contributed ten. Eight were presidents of the United  
> States, but Sam Houston became the President of the Republic of  
> Texas, and J. J. Roberts became the President of Liberia.
>
> When I was running the computer lab at Southside Elementary, I had  
> pictures of some Famous Americans as wallpaper on the computer  
> screens in the lab. One, of course, was a picture of M. L. King.  
> One kindergartner came in the lab, looked at the picture of King,  
> and said, "That's my favorite president". And, wouldn't you know  
> it, that little fellow, with his blonde hair and blue eyes showed  
> the wisdom of our children learning about ALL the heroes of our  
> culture!!!
>
> Anne
>
> Anne Pemberton
> [log in to unmask]
> http://www.erols.com/apembert
> http://www.educationalsynthesis.org