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  10:15 am
Commenter: Emily Preuss-Anderson, Longwood University

Opposed
 

As a future teacher I am scared for a future where schools, teachers, and students are limited in their reading, disscusion, and supplimentary materials to topics that are not "sensitive". What definition are we using to describe what is sensitive and what is not? Every topic in the world can be seen as sensitive or inappropriate by someone if they can give their own personal beliefs or reasons. In part education is for students to broaded their horizons, gain new experiences and perspectives in the world they live. In order to do this educators everywhere need to have access to numerous materials and viewpoints for their students. This amendment has the potential to road block many educator's jobs by having them pour over finite details in the materials they choose. As it stands now teachers have a rough career to begin with. Not to say that it is not a rewarding career, but it has many challenges. Choosing to educate does mean that you are fully comitting yourself to your career, students, parents, and the future which comes along with long hours of hard work. With this amendment in place teachers will have to give even more hours and work to details that ultimately are not benefitting students in their education. With extra hours spent compling with this amendment teachers will not be able to focus on the real work that needs to be done. 

I believe that passing this amendment would be a huge mistake and would bring our fragile education system a big step backwards. 

Thank you

CommentID: 30635