Even though we know education has changed radically, most of us think we pretty much know what's being taught. Even sex education classes, which used to be controversial, have become routine in most public schools.
Besides, we can trust the carefully-chosen books our local schools give out to students. Right?
Maybe not.
Back in August one mom in Fremont, CA, bothered to read this new textbook, slated for use this fall with 9th graders in Fremont Unified School District high schools.
She was shocked by the section on sex--and said so. She told others and more parents demanded a look-see. Protests grew.
One mom said, "The main thing is this book treats the kids as adults and the content is adult. For a 14-year old kid, to introduce him to these things, I don't think it is right at this stage."
What things? Listen to a dad: "When I looked at the book, I couldn't believe the topics that were in there. . . Bondage? How is that a healthy thing to teach a ninth-grade student?"
That's not all
Your Health Today is published by McGraw Hill. Board members who spent $204,600 to purchase it pronounced it a textbook on healthy living, with one section devoted to sex. One says a poll of students revealed many ninth-graders in their schools already are sexually active, so they need to know "the facts."
Over 1,700 parents objected to the "facts" depicted. They signed a petition to remove the book, which covers sexual positions, fantasies and games, how to use vibrators and sex toys, bondage with ropes, handcuffs and blindfolds--and more.
Like how to tell your sexual partner(s) about previous sexual partners.
Like how to find sex websites and where to buy various equipment.
When school officials and board members finally met with the standing-room-only crowd of protesters, comments went on for hours. Later it was announced the book will not be used this fall.
I don't live in Fremont. Why should I care?
If you, like me, believe what's taught in the schools affects our society, either now or in years to come, it matters.
We all need to pay attention and be informed, then speak up. If we don't, who will?
But let's be constructive instead of critical. Let's appreciate the many good teachers who day-after-day do their best to instruct and care for students. Let's encourage parents and teens in our community and church who are trying.
Even if our children are grown we have a part to play. Suppose instead of negative comments we daily prayed for harried parents and teachers--and teenagers--who are dealing with life as it is today.
Living God's way in today's warped society is hard. A good word from you or me could recharge them not to wimp out.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. --1 Thessalonians 5:11
We are here today and this is the world we live in
This one school made the news, but that doesn't mean it's the only one using questionable teaching materials or practices.
Here are links to earlier posts that talk about that.
http://awomansview.typepad.com/a_womans_view/2011/10/are-you-female-male-both-or-neither.html
We are not alone!
It helps to be informed with current information and terminology, presented with a Christian perspective. The books I know best are in the well-respected Learning about Sex series from Concordia Publishing House, now in its Fifth Edition. (See link and more info in right-hand column.)
If all this sounds daunting, let's remember this.
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. --2 Timothy 1:7
Growing, too,
Lenore
