Action | Periodic Review of the Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 5/12/2021 |
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Select social awareness standards in the proposed social emotional learning (SEL) standards are written with ambiguous language that could create subjective standards or requirements depending on how a teacher interprets them in the classroom. The standards in question are:
SoA2: 7-8a; SoA2: 9-10a; SoA 11-12a
What or who defines injustice? Absent a clearly defined term, this is left up to the teacher to interpret, creating a highly subjective standard or requirement. Additionally, students are probably poorly equipped to critically process whatever the teacher espouses given their limited life experiences.
After reviewing the other SEL standards, the highlighted standards above are the only ones that appear to be poorly worded despite the vitriolic comments posted by other commenters during the comment period.
Please note: I am in the military and currently posted outside of the U.S. I will return to Albemarle County in July. My son will start 8th grade next school year.