Background
Grasslands Public School Division will provide human sexuality, gender identity, and sexual orientation instruction as required by the Alberta Education Programs of Study. The parental opt-in requirement applies when subject matter deals primarily and explicitly with gender identity, sexual orientation or human sexuality. This refers to direct references to these themes as part of the learning outcomes identified by Alberta Education for courses such as, but not limited to:
- Physical Education and Wellness (Grades 3- 6)
- DRAFT Physical Education and Wellness (Grades 7-9)
- Health and Life Skills (Grades 7- 9)
- Career and Life Management (CALM--High School),
- Career and Technology Studies (High School) – Reproduction and Readiness for Parenting
- Career and Technology Studies (High School) – Developing Maturity and Independence
Indirect or incidental references to these topics does not require parental notification or opt-in consent. For example, if there was an indirect reference in a book being discussed in language arts, this would not require parental consent. Another example is Biology 30, which would not require parental opt-in consent. Although some of the learning outcomes are explicit in that they deal with the anatomy and physiology of human reproduction, they are not explicitly about human sexuality. For clarity, the opt-in requirement does not apply to library books or other resources that students access independently. A student's participation in voluntary student organizations or activities such as Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA's) as per Section 35.1(1) of the Education Act do not require parental notification or opt-in consent.
Procedures
Principals shall give parents the opportunity to "opt-in" a student to curricular instruction when subject matter deals primarily and explicitly with human sexuality, gender identity, and sexual orientation or by notifying parents at least 30 calendar days in advance of the instruction, use of instructional materials, or exercises.
1.1. Each year before human sexuality, gender identity, and sexual orientation topics are taught in a school, the principal will ensure that parents are notified via an "opt-in" form (Appendix A). The form will provide information such as:
1.1.1. The instruction of human sexuality, gender identity, sexual orientation and topics for each applicable grade.
1.1.2. The date that each topic will be discussed.
1.1.3. The teacher(s) who will instruct the learning.
1.1.4. The option of full or partial parental consent.
1.2. The decision to "opt-in" does not, and cannot, apply to discussion that incidentally arise as part of daily classroom interaction,
Parents may "opt-in" each year by:
2.1. Completing the "opt-in" form (Appendix A) sent out by the school under the direction of the principal.
Alternate learning experiences and/or an alternate location shall be provided for those students who do not "opt-in".
Principals shall not permit the use or provision of learning and teaching resources that deal primarily and explicitly with human sexuality, gender identity or sexual orientation unless the learning and teaching resources are approved by the Minister.
4.1. Where the use or provision of learning and teaching resources referred to in section 4 is by an external party, such as Alberta Health Services or a non-profit organization, the principal shall not permit the use or provision unless both the learning and teaching resources and external party are approved by the Minister.
Reference:
Section 1, 2, 16, 18, 18.1, 19, 52, 53, 58.11, 58.12, 196, 197 222 Education Act
Alberta Bill of Rights
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Constitution Act, 1982
Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Amendment Act
Guide to Education: ECS to Grade 12
Appendix A – Parental Notification and Consent (Opt In) for Instruction Related to Human Sexuality, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation
Date: ______________________________
Dear Parent/Legal Guardian:
Your child is currently enrolled in a course or program of study that includes subject matter, instructional materials, or instruction or exercises that deal primarily and explicitly with human sexuality, gender identity and/or sexual orientation.
Our class, as identified below, will soon be discussing these topics. Pursuant to section 58.11 of the Education Act and the Grasslands School Division's Administrative Procedure 806 – Human Sexuality, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Topics, as a parent you have the right to identify how, if at all, your child should be included.
As a parent you may identify that your child should be:
- Fully included in the instruction;
- Partially included in the instruction by selecting the topics/dates you wish to have them included; or
- Fully excluded from the instruction.
Instruction and Consent
Thematic Focus (check all that apply)
☐ Human Sexuality
☐ Gender Identity
☐ Sexual Orientation
| Date of instruction | Knowledge, Understanding, Skills, Procedures (Learning Outcomes) | I choose for my child to: Participate fully in this part of the course. | I choose for my child to: Leave the classroom for the duration of the instruction. |
|---|---|---|---|
For further curriculum details see Alberta Education Learning Outcomes Dealing with Human Sexuality, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Fact Sheet.
By default, if you do not return this form by _______________ (date) your child will be fully excluded from the instruction and assigned to another classroom for the duration of the time when the topics are being discussed, without academic penalty.
If you would like additional information about the content of this notification, please contact:
___________________________________ ______________________________ (Name of teacher) (Email/phone)
By signing this form, you acknowledge that you are the legal guardian and have received adequate notice of the content and purpose of the instruction to exercise your right to have your child participate or withdraw from the instruction outlined above.
___________________________________ ________________________ Name of Child Grade
___________________________________ ________________________ Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian Date
___________________________________ ________________________ Signature of Independent Student (if applicable) Date
Please return this form to [Name of Teacher] by [Due date – minimum 30 calendar days prior to instruction].