3 new DVDs recommended; some staff had expressed concern over curriculum for fifth-grade class

By Keri Luiz
Assistant Editor

Dr. Karen Dubrule, director of curriculum and instruction, will ask the Benicia Unified School District Board of Trustees Thursday to adopt the new curriculum for the fifth-grade course, Family Life Instruction, a sex education class.

Dubrule is recommending a trio of DVDs by Marsh Media — “We’re Just Talking! For Boys and Girls,” “We’re Just Around the Corner” and “We’re Growing Up!” — be accepted for the course.

“During the school year 2011-12, the Superintendent and Director of C&I were informed of teacher and administrator concerns relative to … curriculum used in Family Life Instruction,” Dubrule wrote in a report to the board.

“This issue was addressed by the District Curriculum Council and a DCC subcommittee was formed to research replacement curriculum.”

The subcommittee recommended the three DVDs as well as“A Baby is Born,” but the latter was determined to not be age-appropriate, Dubrule wrote, adding that further research was needed to fully provide accurate, scientific information relative to human reproduction.

A 10-day notice of public hearing was posted on the matter Oct. 19, Dubrule wrote, during which parents were invited to review the curriculum via school newsletters.

Parents will have another opportunity to view the DVDs should the board OK their use, Dubrule said.

In other business, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Michael Gardner will request approval for the new job description for a human resources coordinator/analyst.

The new job description “more accurately describes the duties carried out by the Senior Personnel Technician,” Gardner wrote in a report.

“The current job description is outdated and insufficient.”

He wrote that some duties for the position include evaluating credentials, transcripts and experiences of certificated employees, overseeing district compliance with Family Medical Leave, and responsibility for compliance with the Disabilities Act.

If You Go
The BUSD Board of Trustees will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday for a closed session, and in public session at 7 p.m. at the district office, 350 East K St.

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