Local educators and veterans are rallying behind a proposal to integrate Military Awareness Education into Virginia's Standards of Learning. John Lesinski, candidate for Virginia's 15th District House of Delegates, is spearheading the effort, which would require public schools to teach students about the structure and function of the United States military, military reserves, and National Guard.
Currently, the Standards of Learning do not explicitly address the Armed Forces other than in a historical context or to discuss the draft. Lesinski's plan would add a brief segment into the Curriculum Framework for Virginia and U.S. Government that provides fact-based information about the different military branches, including active duty, reserve, and National Guard forces. Additional information would be included to address issues facing veterans. The intent of this proposal is not to recruit students into the military, but rather to address an important segment of the government that has a far-reaching impact into the lives of Virginians.
Meredith Gorfein, a member of the Rappahannock County School Board, strongly supports this concept. According to Gorfein, public school instruction on military and veteran issues is vital to provide a thorough understanding of their roles and responsibilities in our government and society.
