Sex Ed Standards Addressed In Berkeley Township Curriculum Adoption

BERKELEY, NJ — The Berkeley Township Board of Education adopted a curriculum for the 2022-23 school year that will be "appropriate for Berkeley Township students," Board President Jennifer Bacchione said.

Bacchione addressed the controversial Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Standards at a recent meeting, saying that the "Board stands firm with our statement earlier this year regarding the sexual education standards."

The most controversial standards, which have drawn ire from parents since the spring, focus on teaching gender identity and sexual education to younger children. In the standards, children would learn how to identify body parts, including genitals, by the end of second grade, and learn about expressing themselves and how gender stereotypes can limit them. By the end of fifth grade, students would learn how pregnancy occurs, and learn about sexual orientation and gender identity.

Bacchione said that regardless of the standards released by the Department of Education, the district would consider what was best for the students and families.

"We certainly are not rubber stamping sample plans from the Department of Education that is not what is right or best for our community," Bacchione said.

The standards provide guidelines and schools are not required to use specific words or concepts, Bacchione said.

She said that she is "certain" that teachers will tailor lesson plans and concepts that are age-appropriate for students.

David Ytreboe, who chairs the education committee, said that the health and physical education curriculum was discussed, and an approach to the curriculum was agreed on.

"It will always be age-appropriate," Ytreboe said.