We met with Dr. Kevin Cuppett, the Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Innovation at FCPS on September 2 to discuss the process of curriculum development, the potential weaknesses in transparency for parents in that process, and the textbook approval process.

The Process

For the new state framework, in this case the broad framework that contains gender identity as part of the Family Life and Human Sexuality standards, the BOE approved the framework in the Spring. It was then delivered to the curriculum staff who work with teachers to identify the instructional material (books digital media, videos) necessary to support the course and lesson development. This process took place over the summer. It then goes to the Family Life and Advisory committee (FLAC) for review. FLAC is responsible for approving all the recommended materials. FLAC has not yet started this work. FLAC does not approve textbooks. Those must be approved by the BOE.

Once approved the materials and books are made available to for public for review and comment. It is expected that this will not happen until sometime in 2023.

Sue Johnson, current BOE member, has suggested the FCPS consider having an example (e.g., a video) demonstrating how the lesson will be taught so parents can get a better sense of what students will experience. This request is pending

The Timing

FCPS is transitioning from a “concept” based approach to a “skills” based approach for learning. At a high level this means more hands on instruction and less rote learning from lectures. The example provided by Dr. Cuppett to illustrate the difference was as follows: explaining what foods are healthy using the traditional nutrition pyramid chart would be a concept-based approach while a skills-based approach would have the students cook a healthy meal.

This process for this transition looks at every lesson and determines if a new approach is needed to make it skills based. This will be the essence of the work coming to FCPS in October for these new standards, however the Family Life and Human Sexuality section will not be included yet. It will be the last section done to give FCPS time to perfect the transition process. This means that the earliest the lessons, curriculums and materials and textbooks will be made available to the public for Family Life and Human Sexuality will be Spring 2023. The earliest the FL&HS would be ready for the classroom will be the 2023/24 school year. 

Commitments

Kevin Cuppett reiterated the statement made in the Spring that “gender identity and gender expression will not be taught in elementary schools.” However that does not mean it won’t be introduced. If the new lessons include the state framework language such as “Identify ways to treat people of all gender identities and expressions with dignity and respect” the topic of gender identity is obviously in the elementary classrooms.

Opt-out Provisions

Opt-out provisions will be available for parents for all grades relative to Family Life and Human Sexuality. Dr. Cuppett stated that opt-ins are not considered an option by the FCPS because the state guidance only addresses only opt-out process (i.e., the state does not support opt-ins and makes no provision for their use).

BOE member Jason Johnson has asked if it would be possible to send the materials out with the opt-out forms to make it easier for parents. He also requested more information on what students who opt-out would be doing during the opt-out time. We will publish an update on all of this this in October.

Open Questions

The question of how FCPS will ensure teachers will not go “off script” and introduce the topic on their own, whether indirectly or directly is still unknown.

For example there was a survey used in a High School class on the first day of school this year that asked children to identify their pronoun and who the student feels comfortable sharing that information with (including the family). According to the FCPS it was one teacher in one school, however it does underscore the need to stay close to what is happening in your child’s classroom.