BuffettNews.com

Thoughts on this, as for who has "The Right" to decide...and especially at such a young age....let alone any other keet of school age.

I side with the parents on this one.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,165253,00.html

I think the schools ought to stick to the basics - reading, writing, analytical thinking, basic math, good all-around knowledge of American and World history, etc.

When they get that right, when every child is literate and has the basic skills required to function in this world, and is employable or able to continue education after high school, then they can worry about frilly little feel-good courses.

I have no problem with gay marriage or adoption, and the two guys and their adopted sons down the street are every bit as much a family as I, my husband and our biological children are. That's the only lesson my children need - their own two eyes and the truth.

Anyway, parents do have the right to decline sex ed in public schools, at least in NJ, and signed permission is needed through high school for such things. I don't see why that shouldn't include any of the extra nonsense and propaganda, and garbage that soaks up our tax dollars. The time and money could be better spent making sure these kids have a good education.

Plus, you KNOW if a Muslim complained, they'd yank the book in a heartbeat...

As a teacher in the public school system, I believe that it is a parent's right to decide if a child should be present during INSTRUCTION on any subject. I also believe that written permission needs to be granted days/weeks in advance. However, there are many times throughout the school year when questions concerning sexuality, religion, etc. arise. I have found it best to simply address the question being asked without elaborating. For example, if a question about homosexuality comes up, simply state that "just like some children have a mommy and a daddy, or just a mommy/daddy, or live with their grandma...some boys and girls have two dads/moms...and that's okay because they all love you just the same..." or something similar..you get the idea. Then, if they have further questions, say that maybe someone at home could help them to better understand. It is almost impossible to avoid such questions...especially with my Kindergarteners! Well, I see that I am rambling...

In this case, I side with the parents...there is a big difference between instruction and simply answering a question.

Were they forced to read the book in class, or was it sent home in a bookbag for the parents to review and decide?

Did the parents receive this information in advance?
http://estabrook.ci.lexington.ma.us/Div ... kbags.html

What exactly is a "normal" family these days? The families I have worked with run the gamut...single mom, single dad, two moms, two dads, stepparents, grandparents, aunts/uncles, foster parents, boyfriends/girlfriends of single parent, and occasionally a Mom and Dad! I think we're pushing kids too hard to accept something they already do...it seems to be the adults with the problems and we're not in the business of educating adults.

I believe in teaching lifeskills, and respect for all people, which should cover diversity. Diversity need not be made into a sexual preference issue. And any discussion of that belongs at home, IMHO.

Yeah, and as a teacher you learn to dodge those questions rather quickly.