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  8:58 am
Commenter: Jennifer Rivinius, middle school teacher & parent of 2 school-age children

Please reject this piece of legislation
 

As a parent, I trust my children's teachers to have their best interests at heart and to make informed decisions about the content they're teaching.  It is my job as a parent to talk with my children about what they're learning and have those difficult conversations that child-rearing requires.  I also know that I ALREADY have the option of opting my children out of any instruction that I deem inappropriate for them, and that all I need to do is open a dialogue with their teachers.

As a middle-school English teacher, the vague language of this legislation will essentially stifle my ability to teach.  What literature isn't "sensitive" to someone?  It is my job as a teacher to help my students develop comprehension skills and become critical thinkers.  This piece of legislation will seriously hamper my ability to do so.

Please be reasonable and reject this piece of reactionary legislation.

CommentID: 30595