|Action||Amendments Regarding Use of Controversial or Sensitive Instructional Materials|
|Comment Period||Ends 1/15/2014|
Many school districts have systems in place for materials that are used for the class to be preapproved by multiple parties. This often involves, parents, teachers & students. Many districts also require their teachers to list all potential materials that may be used that year on their syllabus. In addition, many teachers require a parent/guardian signature stating that the parent/guardian has read and understood the syllabus. If the parents are actively involved in their child's education, they know what's going on in their child's classroom and what their child is reading.
Having teachers include every possible item that may be thought of as "sensitive" for all of the materials used in the classroom would be an unrealistic expectation and is detrimental to a child's development. Out of necessity teachers would choose only "safe" materials to use. This would have negative affects on the social development of students. A teacher's time is better spent investing in the students and both their scholastic education and character development. Providing quality materials which may raise moral issues, helps the students to examine the many issues that surround them and deal with everyday. A classroom is a safe place for these students to explore these issues and particiipate in discussions with their classmates that is guided by the teacher. This allows students to view various life situations or experiences from different perspectives. Denying students this opportunity, will send students unprepared and inexperienced to deal with the issues in real world.
Please do NOT support this!