To the editor:
What are our children being taught, and who approves it? As a father who has homeschooled for 19 years and participated in public schools for the past seven, I’m more concerned than ever. The illusion is that public education is official, approved and therefore trustworthy. My experience says otherwise.
On April 14, a concerned grandfather contacted me. His granddaughter, a fourth grader at Suring Public School, was rehearsing a play in which two boys get married. The play was halted only after a parent raised the issue. Why did it take a parent to intervene? Who is truly monitoring what children are exposed to?
It turns out a first-year teacher rewrote the play without administrative review. Had it been approved, the situation would be even more troubling. The district claims curriculum is developed by a teacher administrator committee, aligned with state standards, and approved by the school board. Supplemental materials are typically vetted by administrators.
Where is that oversight in practice?
The Suring School District has a troubling history. In the past six years, two former teachers have gone to federal prison for sexually abusing students. State laws on strip searches have changed, and the district has paid out major settlements.
Do I blame the teacher for using inappropriate content? Yes, but the larger responsibility lies with the curriculum coordinator, principal and school board. These officials are paid to protect and educate our children. Are they unwilling — or unable — to do so?
The sexualization of grade-school children must end. This failure to enforce age-appropriate curriculum robs children of their innocence. In any other profession, such dereliction would have consequences. Why should public schools be any different?
Michael Van Den Elzen, Suring
