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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1/13/14  11:07 pm
Commenter: Bryan Stout

Support, with provisos and reasons.
 

"... in high school, a copy of the syllabus for each of their child's courses, including a notice to parents about any sensitive or sexually explicit materials that may be included in the course, the textbook, or any supplemental instructional materials; and a copy of the school division promotion, retention, and remediation policies" 

I support most of this ammendment, in particular including a notice about "sexually explicit materials" in the course:  A) This is consistent with the policy about sex-ed classes.  If important aspects of human sexuality are going to be studied or discussed in any classroom, tell the parents.  B) This is a simple notice to the parents, allowing them and their children to make more informed choices.  It does not give individuals the power to veto the curriculum for everyone else, as some have feared.  C) This works within the system that informs individuals and lets them opt out and read alternative materials, a system that usually works well, but this ammendment helps insure that the notification happens. D) I do not believe adding the notices about sexually explicit materials would be a huge burden, especially since the curriculum tends to be stable.  

I oppose the use of the term "sensitive ... materials" in the ammendment.  I agree that it is far too vague and subjective.  If there is a particular type of sensitive materials being referred to -- such as "sexually sensitive or sexually explicit materials" -- I might be in favor it.  

CommentID: 30330