CSBO Denounces ODE K-12 Health Education Draft Standards
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Date: August 29, 2023
Contact: Gary Richardson, 541-479-3775
csboteam@csbo.org
Salem, OR: The Community School Boards of Oregon (CSBO) demands the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) withdraw their recently released education draft standards. The ODE K-12 Health Education Draft Standards propose exposing children to sexuality before they are developmentally ready for the material. These standards do not represent the values of the vast majority of parents.
“To see the over-sexualization of our youngest children is appalling,” says CSBO Director Brett Cain. “The standards are confusing, destructive, and inappropriate for children.”
Implementing health standards that are overly sexual for elementary students is a misguided approach that undermines the age-appropriate nature of their education. Elementary school is a time for children to establish a foundational understanding of health and wellness without delving into complex and mature topics prematurely. Introducing explicit sexual content at this stage could lead to confusion, discomfort, and an inappropriate acceleration of their sexual awareness. Instead, the focus should be on teaching basic hygiene, nutrition, and physical activity, which are essential building blocks for a healthy lifestyle.
Community School Boards of Oregon (CSBO) exists to be the voice for like-minded educational leaders to preserve and promote quality education, which protects and empowers Oregon students. School Boards are a key part of the K-12 educational system. A School Board is a governed body, elected by their constituents, to oversee and serve all students. While School Boards have a huge influence on local education, administrators like superintendents, and parents play a vital role in schooling. CSBO’s mission is to unite schools who believe that local control is the way to make students, schools, and communities thrive.
CSBO urges like-minded community members to voice their strong disapproval of this draft standard. Oregon Department of Education is currently accepting comments at the link below until September 1, 2023.
https://www.oregon.gov/ode/educator-resources/standards/health/Pages/default.aspx
For additional information related to this draft standard see the link: https://www.csbo.org/resources/
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