Aiming to give parents and guardians greater access and input on the health, family life and sex education lessons taught to their children, Assemblywoman Linda Carter sponsors a bill to require greater transparency regarding the implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education. The Assembly Education Committee released the measure Thursday.
Under the bill (A-3968), all school districts in New Jersey would be required to post their health and physical education curriculum on their website and give parents and guardians the opportunity to provide public comments on the curriculum before it is taught in schools. The bill also reaffirms parents’ right to opt their children out of health, family life and sex education lessons and requires school districts to share information on how to opt out.
Upon committee approval of the measure, Assemblywoman Carter (D-Middlesex, Somerset, Union) issued the following statement:
“Unfortunately, misinformation and disinformation have surrounded the new Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education causing understandable concern amongst parents and guardians.
“With this legislation, we ensure greater transparency, meaning parents and guardians will be well-informed about the health, family life and sex education curriculum in their children’s schools. With the ability to ask questions and raise concerns before the start of the school year, they will be able to make informed decisions about their children’s level of participation in these lessons.
“With this bill, we empower parents, guardians and school districts to act in the best interest of the children.”
The bill now heads to the Speaker for further consideration.