4810

TEACHING ABOUT CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES

As a natural part of preparation for assuming an adult role in society, matters of a controversial nature will arise and should be dealt with as part of the student's learning experience.

The Board of Education recognizes that controversial issues deal with matters about which there are varied levels of opposing views, biases, emotions and/or conflict. Therefore, it is essential that the classroom teacher have guidelines in order to prepare and execute lessons that will be as objective as possible while considering the nature of the subject matter. It is important that students and staff recognize the following responsibilities:

        1.     In the classroom, matters of a controversial nature shall be handled as they arise in the normal course of
                instruction and not introduced for their own sake. Such issues shall be neither sought nor avoided.

        2.     When presenting various positions on a controversial issue, the teacher shall take care to balance major
                views and to assure that as many sides of the issues as possible are presented in a fair manner, with no
                position being espoused by the teacher as the only one acceptable.

        3.     When materials dealing with controversial topics are to be used, assigned or recommended, such materials
                shall be appropriate to the maturity level of the students and within the curriculum area under study.

        4.     Before a guest speaker is permitted to address the students, approval must be granted by the Building
                Principal, who must be informed of the scheduling of all guest speakers at least three (3) days prior to their
                presentation.

Adoption date: January 1, 1993