MACC is receiving word that some Minnesota districts are teaching ‘sexting’ lessons again this year but WITHOUT parental notification or even any mention in their grade-level curriculums. These classes start as early as upper elementary and then 6th to 8th grade. As a parent, you may review the curriculum before it is taught. Merely email your child’s teacher and ask to see the curriculum and include Minnesota Statute 120B.20. If you would prefer to have a conversation with your child yourself regarding this topic, you may opt out of the sexting lessons.
This is a reposted article from 2014 detailing the protections afforded parents and families in the Parental Curriculum Review law.
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 