Education And Values (Press, 20 March 1976)
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Summary: Education And Values (Press, 20 March 1976)
On 20 March 1976, Mr M. R. Tunnicliff, the Acting District Senior Inspector of Secondary Schools, addressed concerns raised by Mr N. W. Harris, vice-chairman of the Concerned Parents' Association, regarding the Department of Education's stance on human development and relationship programmes in schools. In a letter published in "The Press," Harris requested assurance that these programmes would promote heterosexuality as the preferable lifestyle and questioned whether individuals associated with homosexual groups would be qualified to teach such courses. Mr Tunnicliff responded by stating that human development and relationship programmes are inherently value-laden and that perspectives on these topics may differ widely depending on one's values. For example, individuals representing both gay rights organisations and concerned parent groups could interpret the programmes in contrasting ways, identifying potential opportunities and threats based on their beliefs. In his remarks, Tunnicliff highlighted the Department of Education’s guidelines for these programmes, which stem from a booklet titled "Human development and relationships in the School Curriculum." The three key principles outlined include the careful selection and thorough training of teachers, the organisation of various in-service courses for professional development, and ensuring that parents are informed and engaged in discussions about course proposals in their schools. Most programmes are developed following extensive consultation with both parents and educators, promoting a collaborative approach between schools and communities. Furthermore, the programmes are intended to align with the needs of pupils. This discourse reflects broader societal debates over educational values and the inclusion of different perspectives within school curricula, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful dialogue among educators, parents, and the community at large.
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