November, 2005
The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) prepared their 4th edition (3rd revision) of the Healthy Living Curriculum also known as the Sex Education program. This edition was prepared last spring but has not yet been delivered to the teachers for classroom use. In previous editions HWFAC was only aware of them after they had been introduced into the classroom, however this time it is different.
When the 400-plus-page edition was completed last spring, we were contacted by HWDSB and requested to review it prior to it going to print for the classroom. We considered this gesture to be significant and so felt that it was necessary to follow through with the review. For over 4 months in our spare time, we reviewed and critiqued the entire curriculum page by page. Currently our approximate 20-page critique is with the superintendent and soon we will be meeting with HWDSB staff to discuss our many concerns.
As we agreed to conduct the review confidentially at this time until discussions are completed, we cannot offer specific detail. This however needs to be said, while there were some very positive improvements, unfortunately there were a number of destructive and unnecessary changes as well. We advise that parents be very much aware of this (and other) curriculum and have a good look before allowing their child to attend any health class. Once we have completed discussions with the HWDSB we will be more specific. For now, caution.
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