When Should Parents Opt Out of Their Child's Curriculum?

'Education...for the Public Good'

Don't like talk about sex education in your child's health classes? Do your religious beliefs conflict with the teaching of evolution in your child's school?

In some states, such as Florida and New Hampshire, you have the right to take your child out of any class that you deem objectionable. However, just what some people find objectionable can be a sticky subject; in New Hampshire, for instance, parents can object to the teaching of basic history facts!

Of course it is understandable to opt out of a child's curriculum if the subject matter is simply too disagreeable, but parents should take a good, hard look at what they truly believe is objectionable and how much, if at all, a child will be compromised should he or she be exposed to the material in question.

Why? Well, opting out can interfere with your child's right to learn about different cultures and beliefs. In some ways, you might be stifling your child by opting out of their curriculum. Education should always be about expanding one's awareness and knowledge of a multitude of subjects, even those that are at odds with an individual's personal views.

Should parents interrupt this process on any grounds? As one New York Times article on the subject of opting out and school curriculums put it: 'Education isn't the private right of parents. It's for students, and for the public good.'

Letting Kids Learn

Just because your child learns about evolution does not necessarily mean they will reject their religious beliefs. And yes, sex education might get a bit graphic, but at some point your child will need to learn about this topic. Might some parents prefer that they learn in a setting outside of a structured classroom?

Basically, opting out of your child's curriculum is ultimately a judgment call. Keep in mind that your child will likely need to be placed in an alternative curriculum should you remove him or her from a specific class. How will your child feel to be singled out this way?

Keep in mind this, too: schools generally select a curriculum that is believed to be best for all students. Some might say that it's best to stand back and allow the professionals to do their jobs. They are not setting out to be offensive or confrontational. They are simply doing their best to teach our children to be well-rounded individuals.

Parents might find it in the best interests of their children to do the same.