Person first language for fifth graders?

[JMWATS 104]

This curriculum change seems unnecessary and politically motivated.  Why can't they use Boy and or Girl? As the parent of a 6th grader that is what i would demand. 

 

An April 20 letter from Sara Jablonski, principal of the public Founders Memorial School in Essex Junction, Vt.:

 

Dear 5th Grade Families and Caregivers, It is time for our science/health unit about the human body focused on puberty and the human reproductive systems. This unit will take place during the last few months of school. We will focus on the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty and briefly introduce the basic structure and function of human reproductive systems. Students will be participating in whole group discussions and have private reflection time. There will also be three interview opportunities coming home throughout the unit. In an effort to align our curriculum with our equity policy, teachers will be using gender inclusive language throughout this unit. With any differences, we strive to use “personfirst” language as best practice. You will see examples of this below. We will be using the following language with students: • Person who produces sperm in place of boy, male, and assigned male at birth. • Person who produces eggs in place of girl, female and assigned female at birth. We are working on editing worksheets and handouts to reflect these changes but you may see some worksheets that have not changed yet. If you are interested in seeing the materials teachers will be using, we will have a binder available in the main office for you to review. Please reach out with any questions.

[JMWATS 104]

I guess nobody wants to defend this madness?   I certainly can understand why. 

Edited April 30, 2023 by JMWATS

[Son of A Tiger 561]

24 minutes ago, JMWATS said:

I guess nobody wants to defend this madness?   I certainly can understand why. 

Is there any defense for deliberate insanity?

[SLAG-91 1,483]

Those folks have gone straight through the looking glass and into the land of Jabberwock.

Non compos mentis would be the legal term for it.

Many other less polite terms would be the plain English terms for it.

[homersapien 11,428]

Where did that come from?  (It wasn't referenced.)

[JMWATS 104]

1 hour ago, homersapien said:

Where did that come from?  (It wasn't referenced.)

https://www.mynbc5.com/article/school-districts-use-of-gender-inclusive-language-in-middle-school-health-class-has-people-divided/43714064

[Gowebb11 9,362]

We should probably spend less time on how we refer to students and more time educating them on science and math. 

[homersapien 11,428]

22 hours ago, Gowebb11 said:

We should probably spend less time on how we refer to students and more time educating them on science and math. 

Agree. Seems dumb to me.

But it should be "they" instead of "we". 

It's one school.  No doubt they'll get plenty of feedback since they solicited questions.

 

Edited May 1, 2023 by homersapien

[icanthearyou 4,463]

Schools should not have to teach children to be kind, tolerant, respectful human beings.  That is the job of parents, society in general.

When the adults are angry, divisive, confrontational,,, children will follow.  The schools have to deal with the effects.

 

[AU9377 5,025]

Sounds like one small private school.in Vermont.