Episode December 23, 2025 1 hr 20 min

John Droz: “Teaching critical thinking in K-12” | Tom Nelson Pod #360

From Tom Nelson Thomas Nelson

John Droz, an independent physicist with over 40 years of experience in state and national issues, discusses the severe deficiencies in the K-12 education system, particularly the infiltration of left-leaning propaganda and the suppression of critical thinking. He highlights the adoption of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) by 49 states, which he argues undermine the traditional scientific method and promote conformity. Droz proposes a solution involving the formal teaching of critical thinking in K-12 education and a reformation of the Federal Department of Education to serve an advisory role rather than a regulatory one.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:07 Critical Thinking and Its Importance

07:18 Differences Between Left and Right

30:47 Focus on Science Curriculum

37:53 The Role of State Boards in Education

42:48 The Origins of Common Core

43:22 Introduction of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

45:28 Critique of NGSS and the Scientific Method

50:56 The Push Against Critical Thinking

53:17 Adoption of NGSS by States

57:23 The Need for Critical Thinking in Education

01:04:07 Efforts to Implement Critical Thinking Standards