When a controversial issue arises in Bow Valley classrooms, Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS) teachers will have an action plan to go about it.
A minor amendment was made to give references for teachers who wish to integrate specific subjects into their curriculum such as when discussing different lifestyles, but it is “pretty broad” in themes.
During a discussion at CRPS board meeting on Sept. 24, members of the CRPS staff discussed the hot topics, stating some people are comfortable and aren’t, but it’s mainly just a handful each year. A few subjects of intrigue to students, parents, and teachers are based around sexuality such as sexual education, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Parents have always been informed ahead of time if a contentious subject is nearing on the curriculum’s agenda. As part of the CRPS “Parent Rights and Responsibilities,” a parent has the right to be involved in decisions affecting their child’s education.
Kate Belford, assistant superintendent at CRPS, said the change was adding notations around human rights and the schools are aware of creating a broad teaching system.
“Sometimes we’re going to talk about issues that may be considered controversial to some. That’s been there for a while; it’s just being amended to reflect a little bit more sensitivity around those issues,” Belford said. “This is a pretty progressive school board; not a lot of school boards, I don’t believe, have gone down the road of creating these administrative procedures like sexual orientation and gender identity.”
In 2013, CRPS became the second school division in Alberta to pass a policy on Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer (LGBTQ) acceptance and in-school clubs.
Belford said CRPS is a small district, but moving forward inclusive of everyone, and this work is reflective of the new education act coming in 2015.
“What I’m trying to do when I’m writing these administrative procedures is ensure safe and caring school culture is the keystone and that we’re being a safe and caring culture for everyone … it’s just trying to help people find the connections to their work that they’re already doing,” Belford said.
