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
spacer
Previous Comment     Next Comment     Back to List of Comments
12/19/13  9:22 am
Commenter: Jennifer Martin, Broadway High School

Character Education piece of the puzzle...
 

If we want our students to read both wide and deep, we have a responsibility to expose them to many different kinds of literature.  The safest place to read text with "sensitive" material is in a school setting, where the discussion is guided by a responsible and professional adult.  These are golden opportunities for character education and freedom of expression.  Many topics that are considered "sensitive" are things our students may be experiencing in their life outside of school.  What a tremendous opportunity to help guide these students through their own personal hardships and give them comfort that they are not alone and will be supported.  The definition of "sensitive" can be so widely defined that we could be opening the door for further censorship of great literary works.  My hope is that this proposal will not pass and school boards, school administration, and teachers will continue to be advocates for educating the whole child, which includes both academic and character education.

CommentID: 29717