Portage Schools Face Book Controversy: “The Breadwinner” Remains in Curriculum
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A debate is brewing in Portage, Michigan, over the inclusion of the novel “The Breadwinner” in the fifth-grade curriculum of Portage Public Schools (PPS). Some parents have voiced concerns about the book’s content, deeming it “graphic” and inappropriate for young readers. The book,which depicts a young girl’s struggle for survival in war-torn Afghanistan,has sparked a larger conversation about parental rights and the process for challenging school-selected materials.
The story follows a young girl who resorts to selling bones from a mass grave to support her family. While the school board ultimately voted 5-2 to retain the book, the controversy highlighted the existing process for parents to challenge curriculum choices.
PPS has a multi-step process for addressing parental concerns.Mackenzie Sheahan,PPS director of curriculum and professional progress for K-8,explained the procedure: “This allows the principal and their team to address the issue directly while fostering meaningful relationships with families.”
If initial concerns aren’t resolved at the building level, parents can review materials at the PPS Administration Building with a curriculum director. further unresolved issues lead to a formal reconsideration request. This request is reviewed by a district committee composed of educators, administrators, parents, and students.
Sheahan further clarified the committee’s role: “The committee conducts a thorough evaluation of the material, guided by established criteria and open discussion.After deliberation, the committee votes on whether the material should remain in the curriculum.”
Even though the committee recommended keeping “The breadwinner,” a group of parents, including Lindsay Zerber, are pushing for a reevaluation of the process, advocating for greater parental input in future decisions. They point to the committee’s composition—eight district employees and one former student—as a potential imbalance.
this situation mirrors similar debates across the U.S. regarding age-appropriateness and parental control over school curricula. The Portage Public Schools case underscores the ongoing tension between educators’ choices and parental preferences in shaping the educational experience for children.
The ongoing discussion in portage highlights the need for clear communication and established procedures to address parental concerns while maintaining a diverse and enriching curriculum. The outcome of this debate will likely influence future discussions about book selection and parental involvement in schools nationwide.
Kalamazoo School District Faces Backlash Over New Curriculum
The implementation of the Fishtank curriculum in a Kalamazoo, Michigan school district has sparked significant controversy, leading to a district-wide effort to gather feedback from teachers, students, and families.
The curriculum, adopted in 2023 amidst considerable debate, includes the novel “The breadwinner,” a choice that has fueled much of the ongoing discussion. Concerns raised by some school board members and community members centered around the perceived political slant of certain curriculum components.
A related article highlights the broader concerns: A school district diversified its curriculum. some trustees call it ‘politically skewed’
The district is actively seeking input on the first semester of the fishtank Curriculum through a extensive survey. This initiative aims to address concerns and ensure the curriculum’s alignment with age appropriateness, student engagement, and overall academic growth.
“This feedback helps us evaluate and adjust instructional materials to ensure they align with age-appropriateness, engagement and overall student growth,” said Sheahan (name and title needed for complete attribution).
The feedback process underscores the district’s commitment to transparency and responsiveness to community concerns. The outcome of this feedback process will likely shape future curriculum adjustments and inform ongoing discussions about the balance between diverse perspectives and age-appropriate content in education.
This situation mirrors similar debates across the nation regarding curriculum choices and the role of diverse perspectives in education. The Kalamazoo district’s proactive approach to gathering feedback offers a potential model for other districts navigating similar challenges.
For more Kalamazoo-area news, visit the local Kalamazoo news page or subscribe to the free “ 3@3 Kalamazoo” daily newsletter.
A recent controversy in Portage, Michigan, throws light on a delicate balancing act: ensuring age-appropriate educational materials while allowing parental input. The debate centers on the inclusion of the novel “The Breadwinner” in the fifth-grade curriculum. While the book ultimately remained,the situation has sparked a broader conversation about parental rights and the process for challenging school-selected materials.
To gain deeper insight into this issue, we spoke with Dr. Emily Carter, an education policy expert at the University of Michigan and a leading voice on curriculum advancement and parental involvement.
Parental Concerns and Educational Value:
World Today News: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us today. the Portage Public Schools (PPS) situation highlights familiar concerns about the appropriateness of books like “The Breadwinner” for certain age groups. How do you navigate these competing perspectives: parental anxieties and the educational value of diverse literature?
Dr. Emily Carter: It’s a complex issue indeed. On one hand, parents have a fundamental right to be involved in their children’s education and to raise concerns about materials they find objectionable. On the other hand, educators have a duty to expose students to a wide range of perspectives and challenging topics, within age-appropriate contexts.
The key lies in open communication and a transparent process for addressing concerns. Districts should provide clear guidelines about how parents can voice their opinions and a robust mechanism for reviewing challenged materials.
The Role of Review Committees:
World Today News: PPS has a multi-step process for challenging curriculum choices, culminating in a review committee. What do you think makes for an effective review committee?
Dr.Emily Carter: A well-structured review committee should be representative of the school community. It should include not just educators and administrators but also parents, students, and even members of the community at large. This ensures diverse perspectives are considered.
Furthermore,the committee should rely on established criteria for evaluating materials,such as literary merit,age-appropriateness,and alignment with curriculum objectives. Openness is crucial: the committee’s deliberations and rationale for its decision should be clearly communicated to all stakeholders.
Striking a Balance:
world Today News: The PPS controversy revolves around a specific book, but it reflects a broader tension between parental control and educators’ decisions. How can we strike a balance between these competing interests?
Dr. Emily Carter: Ther is no easy answer. Building trust and mutual respect between parents and educators is essential. This requires ongoing dialog, active listening, and a willingness to consider different viewpoints.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that schools provide a safe and stimulating learning habitat where all students can access high-quality educational materials while also addressing the legitimate concerns of parents.It’s a delicate balancing act, but one that is essential for the well-being of our children and the future of our society.
World Today News: Dr. carter, your insights are invaluable. Thank you for sharing them with us today.
