Viewpoint: District Takes on TRAILS Curriculum

The Pueblo Public School District 70 Board of Education earned my undying respect for the way they dealt with the COVID-19 situation. They exhibited, in my opinion, courage, common sense and, most of all, put the children first in a situation where that was rare.

?? Alas, in this world gone mad, we must call on them once again to get to the bottom of the TRAILS curriculum for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). A new curriculum that has shaken us up again; and inclined us to peer under every rock to see what the next effort is to control the hearts and minds of our children and grandchildren.

?? ?It is not entirely the fault of misguided educators. Some parents might be remiss in caring for their children and being involved. But the days where children attended school to learn reading, writing, arithmetic, patriotism and values are gone.

?? ?The story on page five tells us, “Designed to be delivered in the classroom, TRAILS Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) strengthens academic learning while fostering qualities such as empathy, self-awareness and respect. By teaching 25 brief lessons over the course of the school year, educators can empower their students to build healthy relationships, manage strong emotions and make caring, responsible decisions.”

?? The fly in the ointment came when, on the third-grade version of this Michigan-developed program, there were questions about what pronouns third graders wanted to be referred to along with inappropriate gender questions.

?? ?To her credit, Superintendent Ronda Rein put the program on hold, dissected what she feels are the unneeded or inappropriate parts, and will now rely on our school board to approve, disapprove, or further suggest changes to the program.

?? Rein shared that the program was given to the district free of charge with an in-kind value of $700,000. There are different levels in the program according to Rein: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

?? ?With many questions in the community, Rein has posted the lessons on the D70 website for everyone to review.

?? Below is the link with a summary of each lesson by Rein.

?? ?https://www.district70.org/apps/ pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1176 08&type=d&termREC_ID=&pR EC_ID=1138862

?? I quickly reviewed the lessons for the third grade and some of the ninth-grade lessons. I found nothing objectionable, but it was a rather quick look. If I had a criticism, it would be that much of what is discussed is feelings kind of issues. Personally, I would have these discussions with my children or grandchildren myself. I realize, however, that not every parent takes the time for those kinds of discussions.

?? Rein said the system came with no strings attached. The D70 board can edit it as much or little as they like.

?? ?Rein was also clear about the involvement of the parents in, not only this program, but D70 in its entirety.

?? ?“Principals, assistant principals, teachers, etc. speak with students all day long, it depends on the situation. We are in the business of talking to kids and making sure they’re OK. When we meet about putting a student on any type of plan, parents are involved. If a student is in trouble or is being suspended, parents are involved. If there were going to be any major changes to a student’s schedule, parents are involved. We involve parents in every capacity, but we also have conversations with students all day long. Parents are not called every time a student is corrected for behavior in the hallway or at lunchtime, if the behavior is minor, but we certainly call parents when behavior continues after being warned,” shared Rein.

?? ?Here is the bottom line. These are your children. If you have a concern, share it with the D70 Board of Education, go to the D70 meetings, talk to your children’s teachers, counselors, and coaches. I guess the best way to say it is, be a parent.

?The next D70 Board of Education meeting is Tuesday, October 22, at the Educational Services Center, 24951 East Highway 50, Pueblo, at 6:00pm. There is no meeting scheduled on November 5 due to the election.

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