BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Bellingham, Washington

Instructional Materials Committee Minutes

November 29 th Meeting, 2005

Members Present : Adrienne Nelson, Tom Pollino, Jean Prochaska, Kerrie Zerba, Susan Sullivan, Ann Buswell

Presentation of Norms:

•  Be an active listener by asking clarifying questions for understanding

•  Use paraphrasing or summarizing statements for clarity and consensus

•  Be mindful of body-language noting eye contact, head nodding, etc.

•  Minimize sidebar conversations

•  Focus on issues or problems, not on the people

•  Focus intentionally on our roles as representatives, and set our personal agendas aside

•  Work towards consensus

Whatcom County RELATE program:

Tricia Huckaby, Whatcom County Pregnancy Center, will be attending to answer any questions regarding the middle school Relate Abstinence Presentation and the high school amendments to RAP.

Middle School Presentation: Tricia explained that the major shift on character development in the program, healthy choices, self-confidence, and possible outcomes as the foundation for the Abstinence Presentation.

Suggestions: Changing the wording from “game” to “demonstration” for interactive activities.

The committee checked to confirm the term condom is covered in the district KNOW curriculum at the middle school. Oral sex is not covered in district curriculum.

Other concerns addressed the definition of marriage and the example used for future commitments to another individual (the Marriage Game). Our families may not be represented by a male/female legally defined union.

On section on Reasons, suggestion was raised for negative/positive to be changed to unhealthy/healthy choices.

The proposed curriculum will be shared with a select number of 8 th grade teachers for further input and feedback.

Next Steps:

Adrienne will check district policy on references to oral sex in the curriculum for both middle school and high school levels.

Ann B. will check with 8 th grade teachers for their input on the RELATE curriculum.

Tricia will consider input from the committee and bring student materials to the next meeting.

High School Curriculum Revision:

Discussion around the high school curriculum was supportive. Student handouts are the same as approved. Committee then evaluated the material with the district evaluation form. Adrienne summarized that the curriculum has been approved and committee form was signed.

Next Meeting :

January 24, 4pm in Room 204.

Respectfully submitted,

Ann Reed

 Each member should use FORM 1040 NB-A to record information and questions as you review the presentation materials that you received.