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For over
twenty years the Western School District Board of Education has included
in its Board Policies of Instruction a policy on Controversial Issues
(#7760). The third paragraph starts, "In preparing for effective
citizenship, pupils must learn the techniques and skills of democratic
dissent. They must have opportunities to hear, discuss and study
issues that are controversial." The policy statement then continues
with several pages outlining rights and responsibilities of students and
teachers for participating in curricular programs of the district.
Also included are circumstances in which a student may be excused from a
program to which he has a conscientious objection with provision presented
for a comparable alternative educational activity.
Over the years probably the most controversial issue taught had been our
efforts in fairly presenting the creation/evolution alternatives on
origins. Most all of the controversy was generated from the
influence outside the district. Ultimately we did modify our program
by offering our more concentrated emphasis on origins in selected social
science courses rather than the biological courses though there too it is
expected that when either emphasis is shared, fair treatment of the
alternative is to be presented.
Over the past several years work has been done to broaden application of
the Controversial/Critical Issues process to topics of special
significance for student learning. On July 12, 2000, the Board of
Education adopted the related new policy 7760-R. This provides for
Procedures, Responsibility, Alternative Approaches, Student Exception and
Accountability Measures for responding to critical issues as they arise
from year to year. Emphasis is provided to assure the pros and cons
of issues are studied with care to avoid presenting only the "politically
correct" views.
Provision is also made to consider suggestions for study issues submitted
by faculty, students, administration, board members and community.
Such persons should request a copy of policy 7760-R and a Critical Issues
Topic Proposal form to complete. It is believed this process can
enhance curriculum quality and provide some ownership in the process for
our constituents. Requests for such possible consideration should be
directed to the appropriate building principal.
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The Western
School District Board of Education has established a program of
instruction in health education which includes HIV/AIDS and other serious
communicable disease prevention education and sex education.
According to the State School Aid Act for FY 94, you have the right to
review the materials and curriculum content to be used in health education
and HIV and other serious communicable disease prevention education, as
well as sex education. The local Board of Education, in compliance
with the statute, has made the materials and curriculum guides available
for your review. If you wish to review material or curriculum,
please contact the district at (517) 841-8100 to arrange a time for
review.
This statute allows you to excuse your child from participation in the
classes which include health education, sex education and/or HIV or other
serious communicable disease instruction if you choose. If you wish
to exercise your right to excuse your child from instruction without
penalty, please send written notification to the principal of your child's
school prior to the onset of this instruction. |
