Cobb County: From warning stickers on evolution to Scientology in school

Questioninggeller · 1st March 2009, 01:58 PM

Cobb County became famous regarding Selman v. Cobb County School District, which wanted to add a disclaimer to science books stating that "Evolution is a theory, not a fact, concerning the origin of living things." The board claimed there was no religious intention behind the sticker.

Now the press reports Applied Scholastics, a program tied to the Church of Scientology, operates in Cobb County with the approval of the Georgia Board of Education.

Quote:

Controversial church linked to tutors on state list
By Cameron McWhirter, Heather Vogell
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sunday, March 01, 2009

A tutoring agency in Cobb County with ties to the Church of Scientology has drawn critics along with federal dollars.

Applied Scholastics pledges to offer only secular lessons. But critics who lodged four complaints last year against the nonprofit —- which uses Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s teachings —- wrote they feared it wouldn’t keep ideology out of the classroom.

State education officials began an annual inspection in February and will observe the group’s tutoring this month. The review will include making sure Applied Scholastics’ policies and teachings are geared toward secular instruction, officials said.

Private agencies apply to the state Board of Education for a spot on the list of tutors parents can pick from to get extra help for children at certain schools that failed to meet federal academic standards. Georgia’s Department of Education monitors approved tutors while the federal government foots the bill.

Scientology is a religion that counts among its members such Hollywood celebrities as Tom Cruise and John Travolta.
...
Supporters argue the program is nonreligious and has helped students overcome learning problems. Opponents argue it’s a veiled way for Scientology —- which some opponents charge is a cult —- to bring its ideas to children and their parents.
...
The Georgia Board of Education approved Applied Scholastics in 2006 for a three-year license —- which is up for renewal in September —- to tutor children in grades one through eight in reading and math. The group currently tutors 17 students in Cobb County, state officials said.
...

Full article: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

MattusMaximus · 1st March 2009, 08:23 PM

Quote:

A spokeswoman for St. Louis-based Applied Scholastics said the tutor does not teach Scientology, but does use Hubbard’s educational practices.

“Our organization is not a religious organization,” said Keri Lee. “There is no connection to any church. We use Mr. Hubbard’s teachings. And we are really grateful for them.”

Wow... just, wow.

wendyinthewind · 27th May 2009, 06:16 PM

I live in this county and this make me even more ashamed of it!

geez...

jasonpatterson · 27th May 2009, 07:20 PM

Well jeez, of course a mediocre sci-fi writer who was habitually high has good ideas about how to teach kids! What's the big deal?

fredcarr · 28th May 2009, 08:33 AM

I guess if you have problems with phonics, learning to use dictionaries, getting examples of what you are learning and not going to an advanced concept before really learning the simpler concepts then you have a problem with these tutors. Because that sums up the Applied Scholastics tutoring program. I know Scientologists and non-Scientologists (Christians, Baptists, atheists, etc.) alike that use this program.

godless dave · 28th May 2009, 08:37 AM

But why not use one of the hundreds of other programs that use the same techniques but don't fund cults?

1st March 2009, 01:58 PM	#1
Questioninggeller Illuminator Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 3,037	Cobb County: From warning stickers on evolution to Scientology in school Cobb County became famous regarding Selman v. Cobb County School District, which wanted to add a disclaimer to science books stating that "Evolution is a theory, not a fact, concerning the origin of living things." The board claimed there was no religious intention behind the sticker. Now the press reports Applied Scholastics, a program tied to the Church of Scientology, operates in Cobb County with the approval of the Georgia Board of Education. Quote: Controversial church linked to tutors on state list By Cameron McWhirter, Heather Vogell The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday, March 01, 2009 A tutoring agency in Cobb County with ties to the Church of Scientology has drawn critics along with federal dollars. Applied Scholastics pledges to offer only secular lessons. But critics who lodged four complaints last year against the nonprofit —- which uses Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s teachings —- wrote they feared it wouldn’t keep ideology out of the classroom. State education officials began an annual inspection in February and will observe the group’s tutoring this month. The review will include making sure Applied Scholastics’ policies and teachings are geared toward secular instruction, officials said. Private agencies apply to the state Board of Education for a spot on the list of tutors parents can pick from to get extra help for children at certain schools that failed to meet federal academic standards. Georgia’s Department of Education monitors approved tutors while the federal government foots the bill. Scientology is a religion that counts among its members such Hollywood celebrities as Tom Cruise and John Travolta. ... Supporters argue the program is nonreligious and has helped students overcome learning problems. Opponents argue it’s a veiled way for Scientology —- which some opponents charge is a cult —- to bring its ideas to children and their parents. ... The Georgia Board of Education approved Applied Scholastics in 2006 for a three-year license —- which is up for renewal in September —- to tutor children in grades one through eight in reading and math. The group currently tutors 17 students in Cobb County, state officials said. ... Full article: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

1st March 2009, 08:23 PM	#2
MattusMaximus Intellectual Gladiator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In the midst of a vast, beautiful & uncaring universe Posts: 14,204	Quote: A spokeswoman for St. Louis-based Applied Scholastics said the tutor does not teach Scientology, but does use Hubbard’s educational practices. “Our organization is not a religious organization,” said Keri Lee. “There is no connection to any church. We use Mr. Hubbard’s teachings. And we are really grateful for them.” Wow... just, wow.
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27th May 2009, 07:20 PM	#4
jasonpatterson Philanthropic Misanthrope Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Space, The Final Frontier Posts: 2,196	Well jeez, of course a mediocre sci-fi writer who was habitually high has good ideas about how to teach kids! What's the big deal?
	__________________ Sandra's seen a leprechaun, Eddie touched a troll, Laurie danced with witches once, Charlie found some goblins' gold. Donald heard a mermaid sing, Susie spied an elf, But all the magic I have known I've had to make myself. - Shel Silverstein

28th May 2009, 08:37 AM	#6
godless dave Great Dalmuti Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: St. Paul, Minnesota Posts: 6,137	But why not use one of the hundreds of other programs that use the same techniques but don't fund cults?
	__________________ "If it's real, then it gets more interesting the closer you examine it. If it's not real, just the opposite is true." - aggle-rithm

27th May 2009, 06:16 PM	#3
wendyinthewind Human Salad Sandwich Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Natural Viagraland Posts: 3,605	I live in this county and this make me even more ashamed of it! geez...

28th May 2009, 08:33 AM	#5
fredcarr Muse Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Utah Posts: 694	I guess if you have problems with phonics, learning to use dictionaries, getting examples of what you are learning and not going to an advanced concept before really learning the simpler concepts then you have a problem with these tutors. Because that sums up the Applied Scholastics tutoring program. I know Scientologists and non-Scientologists (Christians, Baptists, atheists, etc.) alike that use this program.