May 2, 2022
Following the distribution of the parent opt-in forms by Dallas ISD last week, Ntarupt is helping to ensure parents are aware that the forms were distributed and are due back in some schools as early as Monday, May 2. But additionally, May is “Sex Ed for All” month, and we’re kicking it off by answering questions from parents like ‘What is the parent opt-in form?’ and “what are my rights?”
Parent Opt-In Forms
Texas parents and guardians now must provide written consent using parent opt-in forms to opt their children into instruction on human sexuality and the prevention of child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking. Texas is one of just five states in the nation with this requirement for sex education and the only state with this requirement for abuse prevention instruction.
Why Is Sex Ed Important for Your Child?
There is ample evidence that the physical and emotional health of young people is related to their academic achievement, as healthier students are more likely to stay in school and achieve higher grades, whereas health-related problems may contribute to academic struggles, including higher absenteeism and dropping out. The evidence reviewed here highlights this point concerning sexual health. Suppose students can avoid early pregnancy, STIs, sexual abuse, interpersonal violence, and harassment while feeling safe and supported within their school environment. In that case, they are more likely to experience academic success, a foundation for future stability.
A large majority of Texas voters across the political spectrum support abstinence-plus, medically accurate, and age-appropriate sexual health education in schools. A poll released by the Texas Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy found:
- 75% of poll respondents, including 68% of Republicans, support teaching “abstinence-plus” sex education
- 88% of respondents, including 86% of Republicans, agreed with the statement, “It’s important for students to learn about consent, including respecting the boundaries set by other people about their bodies.”
- Respect is a Texas value. LGBTQ youth are bullied at higher rates than their peers and have higher rates of mental health issues and suicidality. In this poll, 75% of Texans, including 65% of Republicans, agree with the statement, “To help prevent bullying of LGBTQ youth, Texas public schools should include standards around cultivating respect for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or identity.”
Journal of Adolescent Health. Three Decades of Research, Vol. 68 (2021)13-27: The Case for Comprehensive Sex Education.
Under new Texas law:
- Permission forms must be sent out at least 14 days before instruction.
- Permission forms may not be sent out with any documents or notifications other than the required parent notification for sex education OR abuse prevention instruction.
- Under state law, the consent form for human sexuality instruction and the consent form for education on preventing child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking may not be sent together. The new law does not consider that many districts include abuse prevention as part of sex education.
- Forms must be sent out for instruction on human sexuality, which state law defines as including “instruction in reproductive health.” The statute does not clearly define all situations where opt-in forms may be required. For example, it’s unclear if this includes biology classes covering content on the reproductive system.
For more, check out, “How did the Legislative Session impact sex education?”
Parents Rights
Under the Texas Education Code 28.004, parents have the right to:
- Have a say in which sex-ed curriculum is adopted. Parents, guardians, and community members may attend the two public meetings of the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) before a sex-ed curriculum recommendation is made to the school board and may attend and provide public comment at the school board meeting the sex-ed curriculum is adopted.
- Decide whether or not their child will receive sex education. From 2021 – to 2023, parents must provide written consent to opt their children into sex education. Parents can also choose to opt their children into some lessons but opt out of other tasks. Schools may not penalize the student for opting out of any sex-ed classes.
- Receive notification of what sex education will be provided. Schools must provide written reports to parents with detailed information on what the sex-ed curriculum will include and a general schedule on which the content will be
- provided. The notice must also include an overview of state law around sex education; a statement of the parent’s right to review curriculum materials; information on how parents can be involved in the SHAC process; and a view of parents’ rights to use the grievance or appeals process.
- Review all sex education curriculum materials. Under new laws, parents or guardians may review all sex-ed curriculum materials at their child’s home campus or request that electronic materials be shared electronically. If school districts use public domain (non-copyrighted) materials, they must post them online. For purchase agreements entered into after Sept. 1, 2021, schools must ensure that parents can purchase curriculum materials at the same price the school pays.
- File a grievance or appeal if any rights are violated.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.TEXASISREADY.ORG
