|
     
HOW DOES CPR ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
Aren't you imposing your values in the classroom? How
can you do that?
Something that is valuable is worth protecting. We are teaching the students
that their sexuality is a valuable gift that is worth saving for a committed
relationship within marriage and is worth protecting. We teach values in other
areas of education, i.e., education is valuable, students are required to do
homework; sports are valuable, a coach requires students to practice or they
don't play. This is a "directive" approach to students. Why shouldn't we use a
"directive" approach in the area of sexuality. These decisions can be "life and
death" decisions today!
What about the parents of these students who have
different values than what you are teaching?
We know there are differences of opinion about teaching sex education. We are
convinced that this message, coupled with an emphasis on whole person emotional
development provides excellent information for every student and a viable life
alternative for almost every student. Parents who disagree with any part of our
message will undoubtedly speak with their children to assure that
"counter-points" are heard. This kind of open discussion, hopefully giving the
child room to make an informed individual decision, is part of the American
tradition of free expression.
How do you handle the topic of masturbation?
Very carefully! Masturbation is a moral issue on which even the most
conservative people do not agree. We will not say that it is right or wrong. We
will not initiate this topic. However, if we are asked about this topic, we
would say that: Masturbation is fairly common among adolescents. It is not
abnormal if you do masturbate, and it is not abnormal if you don't masturbate. A
student would be advised to talk to a parent, guidance counselor, or other
trusted adult about his struggles and feelings in this area.
How do you handle the topic of homosexuality?
While this topic is not initiated, it usually surfaces during a discussion of
AIDS. We will answer the question with respect and basic facts. We will define
homosexuality. We will not go into great detail about sexual acts. In
response to a question about oral sex, we simply explain that oral sex involves
the mouth and any genital contact with many of the same issues as genital sex.
In response to a question of how a person becomes a homosexual, we simply
explain that experts do not agree on this issue and we will not express our
viewpoint.
How do you handle the topic of abortion?
Again, we are not here to express our personal viewpoint about this
controversial issue. Our goal is to educate with the facts and answer any
questions the students may have with regard to abortion.
What do you teach about birth control?
We teach that the best birth control is self-control. No birth control other
than abstinence is 100% effective. Promoting birth control methods can give a
student a false sense of security. We answer any questions the students may have
about birth control. We address the issue of condom effectiveness, including
failure rates. Experts agree that while using a condom offers some protection
and is better than nothing, there are still risks of pregnancy and disease.
Back to
top
| 
