Also at the meeting, an ad hoc committee of the board delivered its findings and recommendations on how to improve the standards development process, which several board members have blamed as a factor in last year’s failed adoption.
Among the recommendations is that the state board adopt a policy stating it will continue to adopt standards in all subject areas — including health.
The committee is also calling for hiring a consultant to review and make recommendations on the standards development process. The consultant would look at topics including the role and qualifications of subject matter experts, the review and consensus process of the writing team, and the purpose, opportunities and timing of public input.
Last March, the Nebraska Department of Education made public draft health and sex education standards that were both comprehensive in scope and inclusive of diverse genders and sexual orientations.
Kindergartners, for example, were to learn about “cohabitating” and same-gender families. First graders were to learn about gender identity and gender stereotypes, and older kids about anal, oral and vaginal sex.
The proposal, while praised by advocates of LGBTQ youths, met with opposition from parents, Catholic and family advocacy groups, lawmakers, the governor and dozens of school districts.
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