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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1/15/14  8:47 am
Commenter: Sonya Lee

Reject this regulation
 

I have  issues with this regulation as a teacher and a parent.  As a teacher, I must ask what is senstive?  What is sensitive is relative.  This regulation would be an overwhelming task to teachers in a time when we are already overworked.  To go through every piece of literature I teach in a school year, page by page essentially, and decide if every action could possibly be seen by anyone as sensitive would be daunting.  Also, my county already has regulations in place.  Parents are notified of reading selections outside the approved textbook at the beginning of every school year.  Parents are given ample time to read the material themselves and determine if there is sensitive subject matter.  If there are objections, alternate reading assignments are given. I have the responsibility as a teacher to choose the best literature for my students.  Parents have the responsibility to preview their children's reading lists and to communicate with the teacher when they have concerns.  I feel, as a parent, I must also trust my children's teachers to teach sensitive material in a manner that is appropriate for all students.  After all, they/we are trained professionals.  I don't want my students or my children to miss out on great literature, and I strongly believe that is what this regulation will do. 

CommentID: 30590