No matter where you go in the world, sexual health curriculum is changing.
Under the banner of Comprehensive Sex Education (CSE), sexual health instruction is changing from a focus on reproductive health to a focus on sexual activity. This approach not only has an effect on the physical health of children and young adults, but on social, cultural, and spiritual values in society.
When it comes to the sex-ed situation in Ontario, P.E.A.C.E. is here to help guide you through the confusion. The following steps are designed to help you
- understand the situation
- know what are the concerns shared by many faith communities, and
- learn how to effectively respond so that the values of your home are respected and that you become a positive influence at your local school
For more than 20 years P.E.A.C.E. has been advocating for faith parents with children in public education. Our goal is to promote positive communication between parents and schools, and better learning environments for all children.
Click on a tab to view each resource.
P.E.A.C.E. wants to help you be successful in the following 3 areas of engagement: at home, in your local school, and in your community. You may not be in a position to act on each area right away but, wherever you’re at, P.E.A.C.E. has information to help you get started.
Click on a tab to learn more about each area of engagement.
Get the facts
There is a way for you to effectively respond to this issue. But first you need to know the facts. Before taking action, take time to go through the materials in the What’s Going On? section above. In 30 minutes or less, you can learn the facts to help you understand what’s going on and know how to respond effectively. You can also click the links below to read our full reports on the situation and the Ontario curriculum itself.
Guiding Through the Sex-Ed Confusion – Ontario situation report
Ontario Curriculum Analysis – detailed curriculum report
Learn the PEACE-ful approach
The P.E.A.C.E. approach to communication is positive and relational, and based on the principles of social influence described in the Book of Luke Chapter 10:5-10 from the Bible. Recent case studies have shown that a positive, winsome approach to this issue is most effective for building understanding between parents, teachers and school staff.
To learn this effective communication approach, click here.
Got these two covered? Ok, let’s move on!
School officials and politicians feel that the new curriculum is needed because parents aren’t teaching their kids about sex and sexuality. However, plenty of research shows that the best place to learn about this topic is at home. For traditional-faith families, the issue is even more relevant and important. When a parent does this relations between the parent and child becomes stronger, and the parent becomes the trusted source of information on this important topic.
P.E.A.C.E. has resources to help parents become their child’s primary educator on this issue. Whether you’re looking for a little help or a lot, P.E.A.C.E. is here for you. To purchase or learn more about the award-winning God’s Design for Sex series or our Wonderfully Made curriculum, visit our Online Store.
Your child’s school is an important part of your community. Today, it seems that many parents believe their child’s school doesn’t want or need them, or that their part is just to get them to the door or bus. Not true! You have tremendous opportunity to not only keep up with what your child is learning, but to build up, support and bless the educators who impact every single student in their school each day of the school year.
In addition to communicating your needs (using the PEACE-ful approach, of course!) look for opportunities to affirm teachers for the work they do and the care they give to your child. P.E.A.C.E. has provided suggestions on how you can begin or continue building positive relationships with your child’s teacher and school staff.
Build relationship with school staff
Click here for a list (not exhaustive) of things that can be done to bless and serve at school.
Communicate your needs
The Ontario Ministry of Education has stated that parents are to communicate with the school so that the school is aware of the concerns. They also want parents to list specific concerns. Sound like a lot of work? Don’t worry, P.E.A.C.E. has created parent forms that make it easier to share your needs in a clear and respectful manner. We’ve researched all the Ministry documents to ensure that by using the P.E.A.C.E. forms, your response will meet their requirements all while using the PEACE-ful approach.
Click below to download a form.
P.E.A.C.E. Parent Form – Christian
P.E.A.C.E. Parent Form – Multi-Faith
Provide a solution: offer P.E.A.C.E. alternative curriculum
When parents request a lesson accommodation, the school is supposed to provide an alternative assignment. Why not provide the solution for the school? PEACE has developed alternative, independent study units for Gr. 6, 7 & 8 (other grades are currently in development) that help the child connect the learning to their faith. Instead of having your child sit in the hall, request that he/she be allowed to work independently on this assignment.
To learn more about our Wonderfully Made curriculum series, click here
To order, visit our Online Store
Stay Connected
Keep communication open with child and teacher about what they are learning and how to frame it in a biblical worldview. You can attend parent/teacher meetings, communicate through your child’s take-home agenda or even send an email to your child’s teacher.