Browse archives: 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995

Published on 06/08/1998 All articles from this issue

Parents say too much sex in LAHS health ed

printer friendly version

By Linda Taaffe / Town Crier Staff Writer

"Health" many no longer be a source of contention for parents who say the Los Altos High School class centers on sex and has little academic merit. Officials from the Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District made clear June 8 a list of curriculum alternatives for students whose parents wish to opt them out of the course.

District officials re-addressed the class last month after parents at the regular board meeting May 11 urged that the district's mandatory health class be made optional.

Brigitte Sarraf, assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum, said the health class is not a state requirement, but it includes topics mandated by the state. She said under state law, students can opt out of portions of the curriculum that conflict with their religious and moral beliefs.

She said some schools include these health requirements in physical education and biology classes. She said after much community input, the school board made the class a district requirement eight years ago.

Marlene Schuessler, who has worked in the district for 35 years and helped coordinate the health program, said the semester-long class is a unique program that combines several health topics in one class including sexual education, AIDS awareness, CPR, nutrition, traffic safety and depression.

Nancy Wildanger, who has a daughter entering the ninth grade this fall, said she finds "no worthwhile reason for students to take this class. I think (the district) is showing disrespect for parents and kids who can make their own decisions and decide if this is something they need." Wildanger said she wanted the district to make class alternatives clear to parents and students.

Sarraf said students who wish to opt out of the class have five options: summer school; adult education; partial exemption from certain parts of the curriculum; course work at an accredited college; and independent study with a high school health teacher.