Important Update: Family Life Education Curriculum in Lincoln County Schools at Lincoln County High School- 9th Grade Wellness Class
Dear Lincoln County Schools Family,
I hope this message finds you well. As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and effective communication, I wanted to provide you with important updates regarding the Family Life Curriculum within the Lifetime Wellness Class at Lincoln County High School.
Background:
For decades, health education standards have been an integral part of our curriculum. Abstinence-based health education has been a cornerstone of Lincoln County Schools for several years. Recently, a discussion at the April meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Education led to some confusion and misinformation regarding the Family Life Education Curriculum. Prior to the meeting, Board member Daniel submitted an agenda item stating, “I want to request approval of the Michigan Model Curriculum for sex education.” This raised concerns because there had been no request from the administration on this curriculum and due to the fact that the entire curriculum is not being considered by the administration. However, it's important to note that a motion regarding the Michigan Model for Sex Education did not receive a second, thus precluding any discussion as per Board rules.
Compliance Assurance:
I want to assure you that the administration of Lincoln County Schools is steadfast in upholding Policy #4.213 Family Life Education and Tennessee Laws TCA 49-6-1301 through TCA 49-6-1308, which mandate that the curriculum must be abstinence-based. Rest assured, we will not recommend any curriculum that deviates from these policies.
Resource Provision:
To ensure compliance and excellence in education, our administrative staff has implemented a comprehensive process. Our instructors have been equipped with additional resources recommended by the State of Tennessee Department of Education, sourced by the Tennessee State Department of Education website.
Vetting Process:
Each of the five lessons developed by our instructor will undergo a meticulous vetting by the administration to ensure alignment with Lincoln County Schools Policy and Tennessee Laws. While these lessons may include material from State-approved Curricula, they will not encompass the entire curriculum. Only those lessons meeting these criteria will be presented to the Board for review and approval.
Current Status:
We anticipate completing the vetting process within the next few weeks, ensuring full compliance with all regulations.
Future Actions:
Once the vetting process is concluded, the fully compliant lessons will be brought before the Board for review and consideration. Upon approval, these lessons will be made accessible on our school and school system websites to promote transparency.
Legislative Updates:
Please be aware that the Tennessee General Assembly is contemplating additional requirements for these lessons. Should amendments to current laws pass, we will integrate these requirements into our curriculum materials accordingly.
Community Engagement:
In September, in accordance with TCA, the Board will host an information session open to the public. This session will provide an opportunity for further discussion and clarification regarding the five lessons.
We deeply appreciate your ongoing support and understanding as we strive to ensure that our Family Life Education curriculum aligns with both legal requirements and the values of our community.
For any further inquiries, please do not hesitate to reach out to Coordinated School Health Supervisor Terri Smith at tsmith@lcdoe.org.
One final note, parents always have the right to choose for their child not to participate in the five lessons of the Family Life Curriculum.
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