Action | Amendments Regarding Use of Controversial or Sensitive Instructional Materials |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ends 1/15/2014 |
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This may seem like a prudent and sensible idea at first, but consider two things: (1) how very vague and open-to-interpretation the word "sensitive" is, and therefore, (2) the broad potential for problems stemming from this proposed amendment. The wording of the proposal is extremely problematic. What is "sensitive"? What will constitute adequate "notice"? I agree that teachers should provide a list of materials (titles, authors) to be used in a course, so that parents are in-the-know; however, trying to provide further 'notice' to parents about all of the potentially 'sensitive' aspects of all materials in all courses is not only problematic, it's impossible. Local school districts should be trusted to have in place a system and process for selecting and vetting materials for use in courses taught in that district. Most do. A more prudent approach to this concern would be to address those few districts that do not, rather than implementing this ill-thought-out and poorly worded amendment across the state.