HB 1525 is a lengthy piece of legislation covering many topics. Today we’re going to focus just on human sexuality instruction.  Districts are not required to provide such instruction, but if they choose to do so, they need to study this bill carefully. It’s designed to ensure transparency and parental authority.  Some key provisions:

KINDA LIKE TOMA:  The bill does not say that your school health advisory council (SHAC) has to comply with the Texas Open Meetings ACT, but it imposes similar requirements concerning notice, agendas, minutes and recording. 

ADOPTION OF MATERIALS.  School boards must adopt a policy regarding a process for adoption of materials for human sexuality instruction. The policy must require at least two public meetings of the SHAC, which will then make recommendations to the board, which will take action “by a record vote at a public meeting.”  The board must ensure that the materials are 1) based on advice from the SHAC; 2) suitable for the subject and grade level; and 3) reviewed by academic experts in the subject and grade level.  The materials must then be made available as called for by the statute.

PARENTAL NOTICE.  Before each school year, the district must provide written notice to parents about the board’s decision regarding human sexuality instruction. If this instruction will be provided, the notice must include a statement regarding the state law on this subject, and a detailed description of the content of the instruction along with a “general schedule” for the instruction.  The notice must also inform parents that they can 1) review the materials, or purchase a copy; 2) remove the student from any part; 3) use the grievance process or TEA complaint process. The notice must also inform the parent that any materials that are in the public domain must be posted on the district’s website. Also, information on how parents can get involved in the development of the curriculum to be used.

PARENT CONSENT.  Schools must obtain written consent from the parent before providing human sexuality instruction.   Request for consent may not be included with any other notification or request, other than the notice about human sexuality instruction.  The notice must be provided to the parents at least 14 days before instruction is to begin.

MORE TRANSPARENCY.  Materials to be used that are in the public domain must be posted on the website, and provided to the parent upon request by mail or email.  Materials that are copyrighted may be reviewed during regular business hours at the campus, purchased from the publisher, or reviewed online through a secure system.  The district’s contract with the publisher must ensure that parents can purchase a copy at a cost per unit no greater than what the school paid.

Look for proposed policy language from TASB later, but the district should get to work on this immediately.  Much planning is called for.

DAWG BONE: SHAC TAKES ON MORE IMPORTANCE.

Got a question or comment for the Dawg?  Let me hear from you at jwalsh@wabsa.com. 

Tomorrow: Toolbox Tuesday!!