KNOW YOUR EDUCATIONAL LAW IN MINNESOTA
MACC is receiving word that some Minnesota districts are teaching ‘sexting’ lessons again and without parental notification. If you would like to view the material to be taught, as parents this is your right!!! Email your school and ask to view the curriculum. These lessons generally start anywhere from upper elementary to 6th to 8th grade.
This is a repost from 2014 on the Parental Curriculum Review, a state law protecting parents.
by Linda Bell
In an effort to inform Minnesotans about their state education laws, MACC will be posting one or two statutes a week. Statute 120B.20 states that all parents have the right to see their children’s curriculum, prior to study. This includes all forms of curriculum – textbook and online.
Parents should set up an appointment with their principal and then teacher to procure curricula. If the parent(s) has concerns, they may opt their child out of the lessons and ask for alternative curriculum that can be taught either by the school or parent. There shall not be any penalty or consequence from opting out. If your school will not allow a parent to view the curriculum, that district is out of compliance with the law.
This is your right! Know the law and use it!!!
MN Parental Curriculum Review Statute
120B.20 PARENTAL CURRICULUM REVIEW.
Each school district shall have a procedure for a parent, guardian, or an adult student, 18 years of age or older, to review the content of the instructional materials to be provided to a minor child or to an adult student and, if the parent, guardian, or adult student objects to the content, to make reasonable arrangements with school personnel for alternative instruction. Alternative instruction may be provided by the parent, guardian, or adult student if the alternative instruction, if any, offered by the school board does not meet the concerns of the parent, guardian, or adult student. The school board is not required to pay for the costs of alternative instruction provided by a parent, guardian, or adult student. School personnel may not impose an academic or other penalty upon a student merely for arranging alternative instruction under this section. School personnel may evaluate and assess the quality of the student’s work.
Minnesota Advocates and Champions for Children 