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OffWithHerHead23
Keep passing the open windows
Member since 10/06 3627 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
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Sex Education- UPDATE with the teacher's response
My DS just started 7th grade. He came home with his Health textbook. When looking through it, I quickly realized that it only teaches abstinence. There's a full discussion of the perils of teen pregnancy and STDS, but not a word about condoms or contraception of any kind. The chapter that deals with it is actually titled "Dating and Abstinence." Additionally, the book is extremely strange with the way it covers HIV/AIDS. My husband, sister and I all read it in a way that insinuates that you can get HIV from kissing 
My DS knows about sex. He knows about condoms, and birth control, and pregnancy. We believe knowledge is power, so I'm not concerned about him. However, what about kids who don't have parents they can talk with about this stuff? How are they supposed to get information? I didn't think schools taught abstinence-only sex Ed anymore. When did this happen... They were teaching about birth control when I was in high school, and that wasn't THAT long ago.
So here's my question.... Is this a decision that's made by the district? Who makes the call?
Also, how do you think these issues should be taught to kids? Did you have abstinence only education? Did it work?
UPDATE: I emailed the teacher on Sunday (the email is below somewhere) and he just got back to me today (Wednesday). He apologized that it took so long but he "had to talk to his boss before calling me."  He confirmed that the district does have an abstinence only sex Ed curriculum. He said that this is the only year they do Health until 11th grade, and that in 11th grade abstinence only is officially taught, but if a student asks about contraception they will be answered honestly. I also asked him about the HIV thing, and he response that he didn't interpret it that way and he didn't teach it that way.
I don't know what to do. My gut tells me that this is something to fight for, although I don't even know how to start. However, I know that I am providing MY child a solid framework to make responsible choices and to be safe. Should I just leave it at that? I really don't know what to do.
Message edited 9/12/2012 3:24:39 PM.
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Posted 9/7/12 8:46 PM  |
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Sash
Peace
Member since 6/08 10312 total posts
Name:
fka LIW Smara
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Sex Education
Im assuming he isnt in a religious school right? If so I think thats weird. I was taught about birth control and where we can get condoms from the office in school.
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| Posted 9/7/12 8:48 PM |
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OffWithHerHead23
Keep passing the open windows
Member since 10/06 3627 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
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Sex Education
No, this is public school... Sorry, I should have clarified.
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| Posted 9/7/12 8:52 PM |
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Sash
Peace
Member since 6/08 10312 total posts
Name:
fka LIW Smara
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Sex Education
I figured that, I just found it so odd that a public school would be teaching sex ed this way and have a distorted textbook. So i just wanted to confirm. I guess fi the district or town or whatever is conservative that can happen in public schools??
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| Posted 9/7/12 8:53 PM |
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peanutbutter2
Carpe diem!
Member since 11/10 5287 total posts
Name:
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Re: Sex Education
I don't even remember abstinence only education in my Catholic school....interesting.
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| Posted 9/7/12 9:00 PM |
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DiamondGirl
You are my I love you
Member since 7/09 18802 total posts
Name:
DiamondMama
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Sex Education
that is very odd. I went to NYC public school and learned sex ed. I work in a NYC middle school and I know they teach sex ed in health.
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| Posted 9/7/12 9:11 PM |
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jlm2008
LIF Adult
Member since 1/10 5092 total posts
Name:
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Re: Sex Education
Posted by JAAMS
I don't even remember abstinence only education in my Catholic school....interesting.
Same here.
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| Posted 9/7/12 9:11 PM |
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Tah-wee-ZAH
Kisses
Member since 5/05 15952 total posts
Name:
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Re: Sex Education
I'm a high school teacher.
One of the top three states for textbook orders is Texas.
They order millions of books each year.
They account for one of the largest textbook orders. Much of the state has Boards of Education that are driven by Southern, Bible-belt, very conservative Christian beliefs. The local school boards only want, and have often passed state education laws, dictating an abstinence-only health curriculum.
They are the squeaky-wheel. Their GREATEST influence is on the Health and Science (Creationism curriculum... who needs science? ) texts.
Most likely, your son's textbook was censored to satisfy the needs of the Texas B.o.E's.
That's the real reason.
I'd contact the teacher and ask him/her if they plan on supplementing that topic with other material to cover the other options. They very well might, to a certain extent.
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| Posted 9/7/12 9:19 PM |
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ElizaRags35
My 2 Girls
Member since 2/09 20494 total posts
Name:
Me
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Sex Education
That's scary! Especially the HIV from kissing part!
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| Posted 9/7/12 9:23 PM |
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MrsT809
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 12167 total posts
Name:
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Re: Sex Education
Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH
I'd contact the teacher and ask him/her if they plan on supplementing that topic with other material to cover the other options. They very well might, to a certain extent.
This is what I was thinking. Just because it's not in the book doesn't mean they won't teach it. I would think the teacher would supplement and discuss these topics well beyond what's in the book.
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| Posted 9/7/12 9:40 PM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: Sex Education
Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH
I'm a high school teacher.
One of the top three states for textbook orders is Texas.
They order millions of books each year.
They account for one of the largest textbook orders. Much of the state has Boards of Education that are driven by Southern, Bible-belt, very conservative Christian beliefs. The local school boards only want, and have often passed state education laws, dictating an abstinence-only health curriculum.
They are the squeaky-wheel. Their GREATEST influence is on the Health and Science (Creationism curriculum... who needs science? ) texts.
Most likely, your son's textbook was censored to satisfy the needs of the Texas B.o.E's.
That's the real reason.
I'd contact the teacher and ask him/her if they plan on supplementing that topic with other material to cover the other options. They very well might, to a certain extent.
Exactly this. I remember watching the news reports on the issues with creationism. If you want to learn more if you google "Texas textbook controversy", you can see the other issues that pop up outside of sex ed.
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| Posted 9/7/12 9:42 PM |
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TheDivineMrsM
2 girls 4 me!
Member since 8/08 7878 total posts
Name:
Mama mama mama....
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Re: Sex Education
Posted by OffWithHerHead23
No, this is public school... Sorry, I should have clarified.
Not surprised. For every parent like you (that's surprised that contraceptives aren't discussed) there's another parent that would threaten to sue if a teacher brought up the topic.
JMO, but options for safer sex should absolutely be talked about in public schools. Start young and make the content age appropriate, but give these kids the knowledge to protect themselves. (Yes, I know that this is primarily my job as a parent, and plan to talk about this with my daughters in depth, no matter what their school does).
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| Posted 9/7/12 9:55 PM |
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SweetTooth
I'm a tired mommy!
Member since 12/05 20105 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Sex Education
Posted by nrthshgrl
Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH
I'm a high school teacher.
One of the top three states for textbook orders is Texas.
They order millions of books each year.
They account for one of the largest textbook orders. Much of the state has Boards of Education that are driven by Southern, Bible-belt, very conservative Christian beliefs. The local school boards only want, and have often passed state education laws, dictating an abstinence-only health curriculum.
They are the squeaky-wheel. Their GREATEST influence is on the Health and Science (Creationism curriculum... who needs science? ) texts.
Most likely, your son's textbook was censored to satisfy the needs of the Texas B.o.E's.
That's the real reason.
I'd contact the teacher and ask him/her if they plan on supplementing that topic with other material to cover the other options. They very well might, to a certain extent.
Exactly this. I remember watching the news reports on the issues with creationism. If you want to learn more if you google "Texas textbook controversy", you can see the other issues that pop up outside of sex ed.
I used to work in textbook publishing. For states like Texas which ordered an extremely high volume of books, we would create a specific version only for that state. NY was also a state that would usually get its own version.
A national version of a book would be toned down in some topics. I worked on science, not health, so I can't speak on the topic of sex education, but for evolution, although we couldn't specifically mention evolution, we would allude to it. A national version of the book would definitely not have content about
creationism.
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| Posted 9/7/12 10:13 PM |
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stinger
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 4971 total posts
Name:
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Re: Sex Education
In the late 90s, I remember hearing that Bush advocated for "abstinence-based sex ed". I don't know the curriculum now, but in NYC they start the HIV/AIDS from K. The very first few grades are mainly about the spread of germs.
If I were you I'd be doing all the research I could to support why the school should not be using that text and submit it as evidence to the administrators!
Good for you for giving your child all the knowledge at home as well!
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| Posted 9/7/12 10:15 PM |
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OffWithHerHead23
Keep passing the open windows
Member since 10/06 3627 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
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Sex Education
I had never heard of the Texas textbook controversy, but that is appalling. They took out freaking Thomas Jefferson!! Craziness!!
I am going to contact his teacher on Monday. I hope that they are using supplemental materials of some kind. Either way, the book is ridiculous, and I will be advocating that it not be used.
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| Posted 9/7/12 10:37 PM |
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Re: Sex Education
I think I know what district you live in, I can ask some of my friends, they are teachers there ;).
In any event, personally, I don't care what is taught at school.
IMHO, I think education starts at home.
I already can picture what is going to be coming out of DHs mouth when DS is of age to have this discussion. 
This is also a reason why I feel bad to teachers to an extent.........because of all the kids who DON'T have a good parental influence at home and they have to hope they get some kind of positive message from the district.
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| Posted 9/8/12 8:05 AM |
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CAMCaps
Live Laugh Love Run
Member since 6/07 4922 total posts
Name:
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Re: Sex Education
Posted by MrsT809
Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH
I'd contact the teacher and ask him/her if they plan on supplementing that topic with other material to cover the other options. They very well might, to a certain extent.
This is what I was thinking. Just because it's not in the book doesn't mean they won't teach it. I would think the teacher would supplement and discuss these topics well beyond what's in the book.
I would think the teacher would supplement if it was not in the book. To add though, sex education is approved by your local Board of Education.
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| Posted 9/8/12 7:07 PM |
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Alexandra17
Keep It Positive
Member since 4/09 6262 total posts
Name:
Alexandra (ali)
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Sex Education
I never heard of this happening but I would not be happy if my kid was being taught HIV can be transmitted through kissing.
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| Posted 9/8/12 9:32 PM |
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BunnyWife
Insert Witty Comment Here
Member since 5/07 8274 total posts
Name:
BunnyWife
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Re: Sex Education
Posted by Alexandra17
I never heard of this happening but I would not be happy if my kid was being taught HIV can be transmitted through kissing.
I agree. Wrong information is as bad as no information IMO. I hope you plan on writing this teacher and asking how she/he plans on dealing with this.
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| Posted 9/8/12 10:25 PM |
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LL514
LIF Adult
Member since 4/10 1901 total posts
Name:
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Re: Sex Education
Posted by CAMCaps
Posted by MrsT809
Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH
I'd contact the teacher and ask him/her if they plan on supplementing that topic with other material to cover the other options. They very well might, to a certain extent.
This is what I was thinking. Just because it's not in the book doesn't mean they won't teach it. I would think the teacher would supplement and discuss these topics well beyond what's in the book.
I would think the teacher would supplement if it was not in the book. To add though, sex education is approved by your local Board of Education.
this is what i was going to add also. the teacher can and will supplement ONLY if it is a part of the board approved curriculum. if your board approved an abstinence only health education then that is what your teacher can teach, that's it.
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| Posted 9/9/12 10:03 AM |
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OffWithHerHead23
Keep passing the open windows
Member since 10/06 3627 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
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Sex Education
I emailed the teacher this weekend and hopefully get a response. Here's the email I sent:
Hi Mr. Xxxxxxxx,
My son, xxxx xxxxx is in your seventh grade health class, sixth period on A days. He brought home his textbook this weekend and I had a chance to look through it. I was a little confused about something and I hope you can clarify a few points for me. Based on the book, it would seem that the sex ed curriculum is abstinence only. This is troubling to me, because to my knowledge, abstinence only education is not effective in preventing teen sexual activity and does not prevent teen pregnancy or the spread of STDs. I'm not overly concerned about my son, as we have discussed sex and contraception with him at home, as well as personal responsibility and maturity. However, it does concern me that in this day and age, with teen pregnancy rates soaring on Long Island, if Lindenhurst schools have chosen to adopt this policy. Can you please clarify for me if this is, in fact, the curriculum? Clearly it is what the textbook teaches, but I thought perhaps you would supply supplemental materials or something to that effect. You can contact me via email or on my cell phone which is 631-xxxxxxx
Thank you!
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| Posted 9/9/12 10:34 AM |
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DaniJude
You're My Home <3
Member since 11/06 14815 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: Sex Education
Odd. We learned all about condoms and stuff in regular public school. Well, the best I can say is to continue to "add to" the education they are giving him with the knowledge of protecting himself and practicing sex in a safe manner.
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| Posted 9/9/12 11:36 AM |
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Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
Name:
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Re: Sex Education
Maybe it's not part of the JH health curriculum, but part of the HS health curriculum?
either way - choosing a textbook sometimes sucks. Sometimes they don't have everything you want.
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| Posted 9/9/12 3:21 PM |
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OffWithHerHead23
Keep passing the open windows
Member since 10/06 3627 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
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Re: Sex Education- UPDATE with the teacher's response
BUMP
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| Posted 9/12/12 3:25 PM |
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Blazesyth
*yawn*
Member since 5/05 8129 total posts
Name:
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Re: Sex Education- UPDATE with the teacher's response
Posted by OffWithHerHead23
UPDATE: He confirmed that the district does have an abstinence only sex Ed curriculum. He said that this is the only year they do Health until 11th grade, and that in 11th grade abstinence only is officially taught, but if a student asks about contraception they will be answered honestly. I also asked him about the HIV thing, and he response that he didn't interpret it that way and he didn't teach it that way.
Interesting. Maybe this is part of the explanation as to why my Lindy graduate niece was knocked up at 18.
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| Posted 9/12/12 3:31 PM |
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