How to stay informed

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Sunday, December 6, 1998

BY The Cincinnati Enquirer

Parents and taxpayers have a right and duty to know what is happening in local schools and to exercise their voice in decisions. Here are suggestions from Marie Smith, a school board member in Missouri and author of Freedom's 'Voluntary Demise" (1998), and other sources.

Find out specifically what your school or district teaches. Ask to see health and sex ed curriculum guides, teacher manuals, handouts, textbooks and videos. Ask for a list of outside speakers, their topics and who they represent. Talk with the teachers in charge.

Ask your school's policies on parental consent and notification.

Always be polite. Most administrators and teachers mean well and are doing what's required. Explain your concerns tactfully. Ask how you can cooperate with the school without compromising your values.If this fails, contact the school board or other elected representatives.

Don't be intimidated or dissuaded by officials who pooh-pooh your concerns or requests. Do your own reading of original documents and make up own mind. If you have objections, make sure they're specific and fact-based.

Make clear you're not trying to tailor controversial topics to your personal beliefs, but to make sure what's being taught doesn't minimize or undermind values you have on contracetives, parental consent or other choices.

Ask to see your school district's grant applications for all health programs. Ask what "prevention" programs are in place and school and what they include (drug, alcohol, pregnancy, self esteem, HIV, etc.)

Ask which community agencies and organizations your school and district may refer your child to and for what. Does it require your consent?

Ask in writing for content copies or guides to special programs that involve "values training," reproductive or mental health, family living, AIDS - HIV - STDs.

If you school has in-house clincis, ask for policies governing them, groups are involved on site, by contract or referals.

Learn where local and state school board members' and candidates' stand on these topics and whether their views square with yours.

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Local Headlines For Sunday, December 6, 1998

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County prepared to sue city for Bond Hill jail
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Peoples: The school no people seem to want
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Sex and politics at school
Survey ranks Metro top Ohio bus bargain
Teen accused of 'Net scam
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Top conductors will play musical chairs in 2000
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