Instruction, information, discussion, and materials which pertain to those issues of such nature that they are the center of legitimate discussion within this (CHCA) Christian community will be presented, or responded to, by teachers and administrators within the following guidelines: (1) with an educative intent; (2) with as much objectivity as possible; (3) on an age-appropriate basis.
“With educative intent” implies that the purpose of the presentation of controversial material is to inform and educate, not to proselyte to a specific view. Obviously, the sharing of diverse views held sacred within the Christian community is to be done “with as much objectivity as possible” in order to protect educative intent and to protect the school from denominationalism. The following are age-appropriate guidelines:
Gr K-6: A response based upon literal biblical statements will be given to questions which students raise in these grades. Nothing should be implied beyond what the scripture states. Specific curricular-based material will not be developed to address the controversial aspect(s) of an issue. The focus during these grades is upon the characteristic “concrete” thinking of the children; therefore, teachers will respond “concretely” to specific questions.
Gr 7-8: The curriculum will begin to address the controversial aspects of age-appropriate issues. Questions which may be generated by class discussion should be answered from a current and yet still traditional theological perspective with appropriate explanation (following the above-mentioned guidelines) regarding the diversity of thought within the Christian community.
Gr 9-12: The curriculum will include a discussion of the diversity of views, within the Christian community, on controversial issues. Because students at this age tend to be able to deal with abstraction, questions and discussions will allow for a full discussion of the controversial aspects of issues, keeping in mind the guidelines this document puts in place.
Questions regarding controversial issues will certainly arise. It is always appropriate to refer the student to his/her parents and pastor for further discussion of the issue.
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