skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

NATO allies insist Ukraine and Europe must be in peace talks as Trump touts Putin meeting; PA advocate: Defunding Planned Parenthood threatens affordable health care; Students protest as Ohio Senate weighs higher-ed overhaul; Farmers markets can be a form of climate action.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Deregulation raises environmental and public health concerns, national monuments face potential risks, political neutrality in education sparks protests, and Tulsi Gabbard's confirmation fuels controversy.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Right-leaning PragerU takes root in NH public schools

play audio
Play

Tuesday, October 24, 2023   

Educators in New Hampshire say the state's approval of a financial literacy course by conservative nonprofit PragerU spells trouble for public schools. PragerU describes itself as "an alternative to the left-wing ideology...in education." Its "Cash Course" requires students to watch a series of videos and pass a multiple-choice test for school credit.

Megan Tuttle, president of the National Education Association in New Hampshire, says the course lacks rigor and signals a watering down of the state's education standards.

"The educators that I've spoken with are not happy about this," she said. "It's just another way that they're trying to, basically, dismantle public education."

The financial course is part of the state's Learn Everywhere program, which offers students alternative and remote ways to earn credits. Proponents say the videos do not contain political content.

PragerU made headlines nationwide when Florida approved use of the company's social studies videos - some of which, critics say, defend slavery. Those videos have not been approved for use in New Hampshire, but State Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut is convinced that all content providers have some degree of bias, including teachers.

"The criticism of Prager - that they hold beliefs that not everybody holds - would be consistent for every one of my educators, that they would hold beliefs that not every parent would necessarily hold as well," he claimed.

Edelblut added many people agree with PragerU's other content, and thinks it's important for students to have choices in learning.

Students won't view the financial videos on the PragerU website.

Sarah Robinson, a parent and education organizer with Granite State Progress, says the state has endorsed the company as a resource for students, signaling an opening for politically partisan content in education.

"Now that financial literacy is through the door, despite significant public outcry, what's to stop them from passing anything else?," she said.

Robinson added the State Board of Education is currently revising the state's minimum standards for curriculum in public schools.

Disclosure: Granite State Progress Education Fund & Granite State Progress contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy & Priorities, Gun Violence Prevention, Health Issues, Women's Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
Farmers markets encourage consumption of fruits and vegetables, which is much more climate-friendly compared with a meat-based diet. (Corey/Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

By Gabriella Sotelo for Sentient.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Sentient/Just and Climate-Friendly …


Environment

play sound

As the Trump administration considers oil, gas and mining on lands owned by all Americans, including in national monuments designated under the …

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee has unanimously approved a bill that would exempt nursing mothers from jury duty. The proposal comes after an …


If passed, Senate Bill 1 would prohibit public universities from requiring diversity, equity and inclusion training for students, faculty and staff. Event photo credit Ohio Student Association.

play sound

Ohio Senate Bill 1 is drawing strong reactions across the state, particularly from students in higher education. The bill, which its supporters say …

Social Issues

play sound

A January report shows that in rural counties home to large numbers of American Indians, including in Montana, people are more likely to rely on …

Virginia motorists collide with many animals, including bald eagles, according to Meg Gammage-Tucker, president of the Wildlife Center of Virginia. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Virginia is the ninth-likeliest state for a driver to hit wildlife but environmental advocates are working to change it. One in 76 people in …

Social Issues

play sound

Whether it's pressure from inflation or health-care costs eating away at savings, a reliable "nest egg" is still up in the air for many Americans…

Health and Wellness

play sound

By Rebekah Sager for the Pennsylvania Independent.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Pennsylvani…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021