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Parent Approval Still Required for Family Life Class

November 10, 2004
No changes were made yesterday [Tuesday, November 9] by the Board of Education in the requirement that parents sign a written approval before their child can attend a class on family life and human sexuality in the Montgomery County Public Schools.

The revisions to the Family Life and Human Sexuality units of the Health Education curriculum for Grade 8 and Grade 10 continue to give parents final approval of student participation and the right to review instructional materials in advance.

Specifically, no changes were made in the following areas:

1. Written parental permission is still required before students may participate in any course on human sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases.

2. Parents can review instructional materials in advance on human sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases when considering whether to approve their child’s attendance in such courses.
3. Alternative courses are available if parents decide that they do not want their children to participate in the classes:

* An alternative unit on “Abstinence Only;”

* An alternative unit on stress management and environmental health; or

* An independent study unit on a health education topic of the parent’s choosing.

The Board of Education and the Montgomery County Public Schools are committed to supporting active parental involvement and a responsible instructional program. The revisions were based on the recommendations of a 27-member Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Family Life and Human Development, which includes parents, citizens, students, and staff.

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