We're learning more about a change to the curriculum at some Palm Beach County Schools next year.
On Wednesday, we told you that all high school science classes will include "Human Growth and Development," or what some would call "sex ed". Currently, that lesson is only taught in Biology class, but beginning next fall, students will have it in classes like Physics and Chemistry as well.
A school district spokeswoman tells us that LGBTQ lessons have been a part of the "Human Growth" classes for over a decade, so there is no actual change to the curriculum, which is approved by the state.
Among the topics covered, dating violence, not making assumptions about gender identity, using the term "partner," instead of boyfriend and girlfriend when discussing sex and protected sex.
A council, which includes Planned Parenthood and former Palm Beach County high school students, has been working with the school district to make changes in sex education courses.
1290 WJNO requested an interview with Superintendent Dr. Robert Avossa, to ask him what these lesson plans have to do with science classes other than Biology and with Florida already having a deficiency in STEM success, we want to know how the school district justifies taking time away for sex ed.
Avossa never returned our call, but the district spokeswoman says the course is taught after the Florida Standards Assessment tests, so the standards for the science courses those students are taking are still being met and that the district offers more instructional time than others, so she doesn't believe there is a sacrifice.
The district says including the "Human Growth and Development" courses into all high school science classes will ensure that all students, regardless of their science course, will be exposed to the lessons which have met the state's standards.
The e-mail above is a clarification sent out in the wake of a press release from Planned Parenthood, which the spokesperson says was incorrect in suggesting that the LGBTQ lesson plans were new, when in fact they are not. She insists that the only change is that these "Human Growth and Development" courses, including the LGBTQ lessons, will be in every high school science course moving forward, rather than just Biology.
Parents will be able to opt their students out of the lessons.
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