Regarding the letter to the editor (“Resident raises concerns about school teachings,” Sun City Independent, Oct. 16, 2019), I would like to offer the following.
I have worked in public education for nearly three decades, a parent of a teacher and a grandparent. I, too, share concerns about what is being taught to our children in Arizona schools. I also agree that schools are not the place to push political or sexual agendas of any sort. I encourage anyone with concerns to learn more about what schools are actually teaching.
As a public entity, public schools in Arizona must provide information to parents before any sex education instruction is provided. By state law, schools first must receive written permission from the parent to have their child participate. School boards must hold public hearings before approving a sex education curriculum. You can make a request to any public district or charter school for more information about their sex education curriculum, or any other curriculum. I would suggest instead a visit to a school and ask to discuss what is in their sex education coursework. If there are actually any schools teaching what the letter suggests, please let us know who they are! All students have the right to feel safe in school. Part of being safe is being smart.
I would ask readers to do their homework before painting our Arizona schools with too broad a brush. There are so many great things happening in Arizona schools! If you are looking for a way to have a positive impact on what students are learning, consider volunteering at a school. Sun City residents have an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience that can help shape the next generation.
