A new policy allowing parents and guardians to opt out of instruction, an assignment or activity that might adversely impact “deeply held personal beliefs or personal experiences” took effect this month in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District.
The policy adds another dimension to a previously adopted policy allowing exemptions for religious reasons.
The district’s trustees approved a first reading of the policy in November and a second reading in December, both on unanimous votes.
The policy states it “is intended to recognize that students and families bring unique personal experiences to the classroom, and those personal experiences color how students interact with and are impacted by the curriculum and activities in the classroom.”
Alternative assignments or activities will be provided students who are granted exemptions, but the district “is not required to provide alternative learning experiences, instructional materials or replacement curriculum,” according to the policy.
Instead, if an exemption is granted, “the student may be provided an opportunity to engage in a quiet independent activity (such as quiet reading or working on homework) in a designated area.”
And an alternative book or other substantive assignment may be provided if the exempted book or assignment is not required by the California State Content Standards in order “to satisfy the requirements of the learning objective.”
A written request must be submitted to the principal to receive an alternative assignment or activity. The request must “clearly state the specific instructional content or activity involved and the nature of the impact on the student,” the policy notes.
Further, the principal shall inform the teacher of the request and, “if there are questions of how to best meet the needs of the student, shall meet with the parent/guardian with sufficient time prior to the due date for the assignment or activity to collaborate and discuss the request.”
Requests can be denied for any of three reasons, including if a granted request would prevent a student from meeting district or state high school graduation requirements or if a granted request would opt the student out of required California State Content Standards.
Denial also could result if the request is considered discriminatory in that “it seeks to avoid content or instruction relating to legally protected classes of individuals” defined in the state education code and the district’s non-discrimination policy.
Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza told trustees that any denials could be appealed by parents or guardians under the district’s regular appeal process.
The wording of the policy appeared to satisfy the board’s majority and minority factions, with Marilyn Anderson saying it is “really clear,” Leandra Blades noting it is “exactly what parents are looking for” and Carrie Buck stating it provides a “good partnership with parents.”
Jim Drummond is a longtime Yorba Linda resident. He gives his opinion on local issues weekly. Send e-mail to jimdrummond@hotmail.com.