Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Education
 
Board
State Board of Education
 
chapter
Regulations Governing Local School Boards and School Divisions [8 VAC 20 ‑ 720]
Action Amendments Regarding Use of Controversial or Sensitive Instructional Materials
Stage NOIRA
Comment Period Ended on 1/15/2014
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12/18/13  4:23 pm
Commenter: Gillian Lambert, Moody Middle School, Henrico County

NO to this Amendment
 

As an English teacher of eighteen years, I think requiring a notice about sensitive and controversial material is ridiculous; what is considered sensitive or controversial is completely subjective.  I am a professional, and I should be able to decide what and how I want to teach without constantly being undermined and questioned by parents.

As an educator, I may not deem a written passage as sensitive or controversial. Because I may not identify it in advance, I should not fear that I am placing myself in a liable situation. No educator can possibly predict how others will react to what they read.  Not only should teachers be treated as the professionals that we are, we should also be allowed to read materials that will provide higher-level discussions and open minds to new ideas.

"To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark."- Victor Hugo

 

CommentID: 29708