Searcy School District Curriculum Questions/Answers Week 1
\r\n*Note: Much of the correspondence included comments as opposed to questions. Thus, we were not able to respond to those. Below is the correspondence in regard to Searcy School District curriculum. The questions are directly copied from the messaging system in order to ensure complete transparency. We have withheld the sender’s name to maintain his/her privacy.
\r\nQ: I have heard that the Wit and Wisdom Curriculum covers some very controversial topics that may not be developmentally appropriate for young children. As a parent, I would like to know what topics are covered and what books my child will be reading. I looked on the Wit and Wisdom website but was unable to find a scope and sequence document. Could you please provide this?
\r\nSSD: Wit and Wisdom resources including a scope and sequence document and grade level reading materials may be found at the following link: Curriculum Resources
Q: I would like to hear from the school board why they sent it necessary to adopt this W&W curriculum and if they are pushing the elementary and mid level teachers to follow the teacher’s manual and emphasize the angry white men, the suicidal ideation, the hostility between the Europeans and native groups, etc. From what I’ve seen, this curriculum does not look like the best choice is the school board cares about NOT emphasizing CRT. But perhaps the school board does want to in some way initiate CRT in Searcy schools. So I’d like a direct response from the school Board on their feelings about CRT and what they’re asking the teachers to cover as they use this W&W curriculum. Thanks.
\r\nSSD: We are unable to identify a specific question in regard to the literature/curriculum being taught.
\r\nIn the event, your child’s classroom is covering specific inappropriate material, we encourage you to visit first with your child’s teacher. All curriculum has been vetted by Searcy School District teachers over the last year, and it has been deemed age appropriate. We welcome further discussion as needed. If you still have concerns after visiting with the teacher, please feel free to contact the building level administrator, and he or she can give you the process for having literature reviewed. You may also find that policy at the following link. SELECTION/INSPECTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
\r\nNote: Critical Race Theory is NOT being taught in the Searcy School District.
\r\nQ: There are just some things I think need to be left alone til children are older. The wit and wisdom curriculum that I've read about, most of it made me very uncomfortable. My son is in kindergarten so he would have so many more years of this and it concerns me greatly.
\r\nSSD: In the event, your child’s classroom is covering specific inappropriate material, we encourage you to visit first with your child’s teacher. All curriculum has been vetted by Searcy School District teachers over the last year, and it has been deemed age appropriate. If you still have concerns after visiting with the teacher, please feel free to contact the building level administrator, and he or she can give you the process for having literature reviewed. You may also find that policy at the following link. SELECTION/INSPECTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Q: Is Wit and Wisdom only used K-5
\r\nSSD: Yes. Wit and Wisdom is the curriculum for grades K-5.
Q: I just want to convey my support for the current curriculum. Please contact me if there is more I can do.
SSD: Thank you for your support.
\r\nQ: When is the next Board Meeting scheduled?
\r\nSSD: Wednesday, November 17, 2021
\r\nQ: My children are both "other" learners as far as their academic levels. My 7 year old son picked out the book "Shark Attack" to bring home. (It was not part of the assigned reading from his teacher, so I'm not sure if this is simply used as supplemental information.) I heard my 9 year old daughter in the other room say, "Mom, I don't think this is appropriate." By this she was referring to the cartoonized, bloody scene of the shark biting the man and the photo of the man with the scarred-over bite from his torso. My son didn't openly say anything about it, so I'm presuming that the images didn't bother him.
\r\nThis scenario which played out early this school year, puts into my mind this question? When a child says "No," how, as educators, are you supposed to respond? When we teach children that their body is their own, we teach them that it is good and right to say "no" when they are uncomfortable with a situation. So what about with their emotions? Do they get to say "No" and be respected?
\r\nI have not yet decided whether I support or do not support this curriculum. I am only trying to gain an understanding for the political aspirations if the designers, the educational benefit to the students, and the age appropriateness of its content. My scenario both represents a child that had little to no concern with the images as well as a child who did.
\r\nSSD: This curriculum has been adopted by many districts across the state (many in our county and region)and was vetted for over a year by Searcy School District teachers of grades K-5 and deemed age appropriate. If there is specific material that concerns you, please don't hesitate to reach out to the teacher first. If you still have concerns after visiting with the teacher, please feel free to contact the building level administrator, and he or she can give you the process for having literature reviewed. You may also find that policy at the following link. SELECTION/INSPECTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS