There are many controversial topics in education. Between the government, religious groups, parents and teachers many can’t agree on whether certain topics should be allowed to be discussed in school. For this reason, many schools are private and allow some of the controversial topics to take place and don’t allow other topics.
Discerning what is and isn’t controversial may well depend upon the school, community and grade level. What is okay for older children to learn may be not okay for younger students such as sex education, sexual health, gay and lesbian lifestyles and drugs or alcohol may all be topics that some prefer to wait until children are in at least the 5th grade while other schools won’t teach at all or only with parental permission.
Many parents prefer to keep their children home from the above mentioned classes and teach them that part of life according to their own religious and moral values. When considering controversial topics in education many schools have a waiver that must be signed before a student can attend such class educational topics.
Another subject often considered controversial is religion. Unless one is living in an area that has a predominant religion, religion is often considered taboo and not something readily discussed in education. For this reason most schools don’t have a class prayer and some schools don’t even allow prayer in the class.
With educational topics set aside, many schools have specific rules that are also controversial such as “no cell phones”. Many parents argue that students may need to get a hold of a parent or have an emergency and require the cell phone. Some schools allow cell phones but the unit must be turned off during class time. Others forbid it entirely.
Make and skirt length are often topics that specific schools are very strict about. When parent object or complain their child is often singled out. Is this really necessary to further our students education? Probably not. While skirt length can certainly be distracting they can put in place that skirts shorter than a preset length have tights or leggings underneath. Makeup should be kept at a minimum so as not to distract.
Hairstyles and hair colors often come next in the list of controversy. Some schools have a specific hair and hair color code while others will allow children to freely express themselves as long as they can see out from their hair.
When considering educational topics and options for students, parents should take into account their own personal preferences verses what the school they are considering has to offer. Parents and students must decide if the moral standards and what the school is teaching are acceptable for them.
Discussing controversial topics in education will go far in preventing misunderstandings between parents and schools as well as government and communities. No one should have to attend a school where they don’t believe in the same educational values that are being taught.
Interested in more controversial topics in education by Dr. Patricia Fioriello? Visit KidsLearnToBlog.com to learn about blogging for kids, K12EducationSystem.com to discover top K12 education systems in the world and YourGiftedTalentedChild.com to understand the needs of gifted children and students. Find educational topics that make a difference.
