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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1/14/14  9:07 pm
Commenter: Phil Kellogg

Trust Parents
 

Notwithstanding teachers' and administrators' views of what constitutes appropriate literature and suitable subject matter, the ultimate responsibility for the education and upbringing of our children rests with us as parents.  It is our inherent right, indeed our responsibility, to be fully aware of what our children are being taught and to intervene in instances in which we believe the material is detrimental to the development of our child's character or at odds with our beliefs.  It follows that, in order to render such decisions, we need to be made aware when material is being presented that is sexually explicit or might otherwise be objectionable to a reasonable person.  Undoubtedly many/most teachers exercise sound judgement in the selection of their material and sensitivity in addressing the concerrns of parents, when raised.  However, many of the comments already submitted by self-identified teachers make it clear that at least some view parental objections to their selection of course material as meddling by the unenlightened.  It is to address this attitude, again no doubt shared by a relatively small cross section of teachers, and the imperious behavior that proceeds from this attitude, that this regulatory action is needed.  Put simply, what  teachers chooses to read is their business, what they try to place in the hands of our children, is ours, and we must be informed.

CommentID: 30530