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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12/17/13  6:48 pm
Commenter: Katherine Mann, Central High School

Don't force teachers to include sensitive materials in syllabi
 

Teachers need to be trusted to use their judgement in the classroom. The words "sensitive" and "controversial" are up for interpretation, and such materials are useful in a classroom precisely because they provoke different viewpoints. The proposed amendment forces teachers to do more work, plan so far ahead that we can't change lesson plans without prior approval (at the beginning of the semester, no less), and is a perfect demonstration of how we are not trusted by parents or legislators. When it comes to controversy, teachers are not the problem. We are merely the facilitators of intelligent discussion and people encouraging critical thinking in young minds. Please treat us as the professionals that we are. 

CommentID: 29665