New Kent – New Kent County Public Schools have created a list of materials that parents will flag for compliance with Virginia law, but the policy does not allow books to be removed from the school’s library. is low.
The new Kent School Board will vote on policy proposals related to such materials on January 10.
Ross Miller, executive director of innovation and development, said at a board meeting on Dec. 6 that it aims to ensure families are notified when their children become accessible to explicit content in public schools. Updated how schools comply with state laws that have been passed. School boards have until January to comply with the policy.
“We have already started this process … Each grade level or department is auditing the materials they use or use in their classes to identify those that fit those definitions. ‘” Miller told the board.
“It’s rare to find anything, but there is some material that fits those definitions.”
He said he is compiling the list being reviewed to ensure counties fit the definition and “determine whether it should continue to be used.” are posted on the department’s education page and available in the learning management system. Patents require at least 30 days’ notice to give you time to opt out.
Parents will be able to review materials included in classes when students sign up for courses under the new policy, Miller said. Information on how parents can review materials and request replacement assignments It is included.
Much of the discussion and controversy surrounding the new law centers on books pulled from school libraries. Miller said Newkent’s bill does not specifically address school libraries.
“On the whole, the books in the library are not part of it. It’s not included here,” says Miller.
“We encourage parents to be involved in the process, understand what students are selecting from the library, and support the materials they select,” said Miller.
However, Miller said the 30-day notice requirement applies if a teacher takes a class to the school library and recommends a particular book with objectionable content.
Miller said the department tries to avoid using such materials at the start of courses. However, in that case, parents will be notified before the start of the semester.
“An example of this is the dual-enrollment psychology class we have,” he said. applies to.”
Miller said the course is Rappahannock Community College material, so the school department can’t change the content, but parents have been notified.
“If a student needs to be rescheduled for a second term, we will assist parents in that process.”
Miller said the new rules are similar to how the Family Life Course has traditionally operated. Parents can opt their students out of courses.
He pointed out that certain pieces of literature on the Advanced Placement (AP) test in English Literature may fall under the new law.
“There is specific literature mentioning the AP test that is recommended for all students to read before taking an AP test that falls into this category. We want parents to know ahead of time that it’s to prepare for .That’s why it’s there,” he said.
School Board Vice Chair Wayne Meade hopes the policy will encourage parent involvement in learning materials.
“I think this policy seems to be as inclusive as reasonably possible.
“It will force parents to engage. If they care about the content, it will make parents responsible for getting involved.”
He acknowledged that there is an ongoing debate about how explicit content should be defined.
David Macaulay davidmacaulayva@gmail.com
