What is the role of public schools?
As reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, A controversial sixth-grade homework assignment on sexuality has some parents reevaluating the role of public schools.
A Lithonia MS student came home with an assignment on sexuality. It has ten questions, asking sixth graders to identify various sexual preferences like gay, lesbian and transgender.
“We’re talking about a sixth grader who still watches Nickelodeon. I’m not ready to explain what these words are nor what they mean,” said the parent.
Family Life and Sexual Behavior (FLASH) Standards
FLASH is a curriculum program developed out of King County, Seattle to support the Family Life and Sexual Behavior (FLASH) standards. The curriculum states, “Sexuality education is a lifelong process of acquiring information and forming attitudes, beliefs, and values about identity, relationships, and intimacy. It encompasses sexual development, reproductive health, interpersonal relationships, affection, intimacy, body image, and gender roles.”
Here is a sample of what is taught:
- Facts About STDs (Middle School)
- Reproductive System (Gr. 4)
- Preventing STDs (Gr. 6-8) – In this lesson, students review STD transmission by doing a True/False activity. Working in pairs or triads, they use a persuasion map to develop convincing argument about preventing STDs. Then pairs/triads create STD prevention Public Service Announcements for social media and share them with the class.
- Abstinence (Gr. 9–12) – In this lesson, students define abstinence and learn the steps to refusing effectively. Then, in small groups, they practice using refusal skills and observe their peers modeling effective refusal skills.
In response to the concern about Lithonia Middle School’s application of the FLASH standards, DeKalb Schools issued the following statement:
Parents are fully informed of the use of this curriculum, and are given due notice to opt-out of this instruction. DCSD respects the diverse beliefs of its families, and will not include students in this instruction if notified clearly by the family.
Teaching about sexual orientation not only provides a necessary protection for students of different groups, but it can also better understanding, respect and nondiscrimination among all students. DCSD is committed to this education through its Board policies and belief that knowledge helps reduce bullying occurrences and assists students in making informed decisions.”
DeKalb Schools Curriculum Road Show
DeKalb Schools invites parents to learn more about what their children learn at school. You can learn more by attending one of the upcoming Curriculum Roadshow Events. Each event will begin at 6:30 p.m.
- Tue, October 10, 2017 – Tucker High School
- Wednesday, October 11, 2017 – Columbia High School
- Tuesday, October 17, 2017 – Dunwoody High School
- Tuesday, October 24, 2017 – Clarkston High School
DeKalb Schools Policy – IDBA – Sex Education
A. Sex Education Program
The sex education program in the DeKalb County School District encompasses physiological, biological, and psychological education. From the biological and physiological prospective, the program deals simply with the anatomy of the reproductive systems. From the psychological prospective, students will acquire factual knowledge, skills and attitudes that will lead to behavior that contributes to the well-being of the individual, the family and society.
Parents and legal guardians may exercise the option to exclude their child from sex education and AIDS prevention instructional programs. Upon request, the curricular and instructional resources and materials will be provided to the parent or legal guardian for review. Any parent or legal guardian of a child scheduled to receive sex education instruction has the right to elect in writing to opt their child out of this course of study.
GA DOE Rule 160-4-2-.12 COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
PROGRAM PLAN.
(2) REQUIREMENTS.
Each local board of education shall develop procedures to allow parents and legal
guardians to exercise the option of excluding their child from sex education and AIDS
prevention instructional programs.
1. Sex education and AIDS education shall be a part of a comprehensive health
program.
2. Prior to the parent or legal guardian making a choice to allow his or her child or
ward to take the specified unit of instruction, he or she shall be told what instruction is to
be provided and have the opportunity to review all instructional materials to be
used, print and nonprint. Any parent or legal guardian of a child to whom a course of study in sex education is to be taught shall have the right to elect, in writing, that such
child not receive such course of study.
“Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in pursuit of justice is no virtue.”