Butte School District

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2335

Human Sexuality Instruction and Identity Instruction

Definitions:

The following definitions apply for the purposes of this policy:

(a) "Human sexuality instruction" means instruction that has the goal or purpose of studying, exploring, or informing students about any of the following human sexuality topics: intimate relationships, sexual anatomy, sexual reproduction, sexually transmitted infections, sexual acts, abstinence, contraception, or reproductive rights and responsibilities.

(b) "Identity instruction" means instruction that has the goal or purpose of studying, exploring, or informing students about gender identity or gender expression, or sexual orientation.

(c) "Instruction" means the conduct of organized learning activities, including the provision of materials, for students in a public school, whether conducted by a teacher or other school staff or guests invited at the request of the school or district and regardless of the duration, venue, or method of delivery.

Neither "human sexuality instruction" nor "identity instruction" includes or applies to a teacher's response to an unexpected student-initiated inquiry related to the topics under each term to the extent necessary to resolve the inquiry or to maintain civility and decorum in the classroom.

Annual Notice to Parents:

1. Using contact information most recently provided by the parent or guardian, the District shall annually notify in advance the parent or guardian of each student scheduled to be enrolled in a course that includes units or lessons on human sexuality instruction or identity instruction of:

(a) the basic content of the district's or school's human sexuality instruction or identity instruction intended to be taught to the student and the option to review all curriculum materials related to human sexuality instruction or identity instruction; and

(b) the parent's or guardian's right to withdraw the student from the District’s human sexuality instruction; and

(c) the requirement that the parent or guardian provide written permission to allow the child to attend identity instruction.

The annual notice shall include an electronic link to materials or summaries of materials consistent with copyright laws for the District’s health enhancement curriculum including lesson plans or other materials used for human sexuality instruction or identity instruction and a calendar of events or assemblies at which human sexuality instruction or identity instruction will be provided.

Additional Notice to Parents:

In addition to the annual notice required above, the District will provide notice to parents no fewer than 5 school days or more than 14 school days prior to holding an event or assembly or first introducing materials for instructional use.

Parental Permission

The District will not require or permit a student to attend or participate in identity instruction without the prior written permission of the parent or guardian. Written permission may be provided by the parent following the annual notice to parents, but parents or guardians shall have the right to cancel or rescind permission by providing written notice to the Superintendent at any time.

Excused Absence

Any student whose parent or guardian has withdrawn the student from human sexuality instruction or has not provided prior written permission for participation in identity instruction will be excused from attending such instruction, and the absence will be an excused absence in accordance with § 20-5-103, MCA.

Summary of Curriculum

The District shall prepare a summary of the district's health enhancement curriculum and shall review and prepare any updates to the summary each year. The summary is public information and is subject to the public's right to access information pursuant to § 2-6-1003,MCA.