Committee moves elementary human growth and development materials to full board; Middle and high school sections held for further review

The Watertown Unified School District curriculum committee voted by consensus to forward revised elementary human growth and development materials to the full board for discussion and possible action on Monday, while keeping the middle- and high-school units under further review.

Jenny, the advisory committee lead, told members the group of community volunteers, parents, clergy, medical professionals, students and teachers used a consensus process to review materials for 4th, 5th, 6th and 9th grades. She described a 1–5 agreement scale the committee used and said parent permission forms — including Spanish versions — were included with the materials. "We have human growth and development instruction in 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade ... and 9th grade," Jenny said, describing lesson counts and alternate assignments for families who opt out.

Committee members raised questions about age-appropriateness for some middle-school definition language. Sam O'Neil urged care with wording and suggested that some content might better fit high school. The committee chair noted state law requires instruction that includes "socioeconomic benefits of marriage for adults and their children," and urged clarifying language rather than removing required topics.

Members discussed logistics for parental permission and how alternate assignments would be provided for students whose families opt out. Jenny noted full materials would be available at schools and at the district office for inspection. The committee recommended a five-year curriculum review cycle for the materials unless state law or other major changes require earlier revision.

Next step: the elementary human growth and development materials will be placed on the full board agenda for strategic discussion and possible action at the coming board meeting.