In this document we’ll review the Grades 7-8 KNOW Curriculum with a focus on how it compares to the Grades 5-6. To make it as easy as possible for you to follow the differences in the documents we found an interesting tool that allows that comparison. If you haven’t already read our Grade 5-6 review you may find it useful: https://swweducation.org?p=5327 Please take the following steps:
- Go to this website: https://draftable.com/compare
- You will see two (2) windows on the page.
- In the left window drag and drop the Grade 5-6 KNOW pdf file.
- In the right window drag and drop the Grade 7-8 pdf file
- Click the “Compare” button in the middle.
The software will do its background work and then show you the documents side-by-side so you can exactly how they compare by section. The software does a good job of “auto-synching” the two documents. As we write this article the comparison link (below) works but it may not over time so be prepared to make your own.
https://draftable.com/compare/FWQhdgvrTATd
Grade 5-6 KNOW file: KNOWGrades5-6
Grade 7-8 KNOW file: KNOWGrades7-8
So what do we see as we compare?
- There are minor changes in the bulk of the text
- The major differences are in the lessons where we see “bolder” examples of language as well as addressing male/male and female/female sexual interactions
- Grade 7-8 provides a significant amount of information, detail and lesson work on condoms. Nowhere does it appear to offer the scientific detail about the failure rate and the incidence of disease. It comes across as a solution that has little in the way of downside
The side-by-side comparison software really does an excellent job of letting you see the differences between the two documents so that you can come to your own conclusions. Once you’ve done this please take the time to become involved in your school, district and let your school board know what you now KNOW.
Here are some callouts that may raise your eyebrows:
Page 18: Example: “Isn’t it wrong to get pregnant if you have HIV?”
“This is a very thoughtful question. People have a lot of different beliefs about this issue. I want to let you know that it is legal for someone to choose to become pregnant if they have HIV. Also, there are important things the woman can do to really lower the chance that the baby will be born with HIV. However, there is still a small risk. Some people believe that all pregnancies carry some risk, and this risk is no different. Other people believe that you should never take this kind of risk, even if it is small. Some people think of this as an issue of rights for the mother – that it is her right to decide how to start a family and how to manage her pregnancy. Other people think of this as an issue of rights for the baby – that the baby doesn’t get to choose what is happening and because of that it has to be protected from this risk. It might be helpful for you all to hear from your families or communities of worship, if you have one, what they think about this issue. I would encourage you to ask them about this.”
Comment – Saying that the “risk” of HIV to an unborn baby is unacceptable. It is simply sending the wrong message and is beyond irresponsible
Page 20: Example: “How does a guy have sex with another guy?”
“Thank you for asking this question. People are often curious about how two men or two women have sex. It is important to remember that no two people have sex the exact same way. All people, regardless of sexual orientation, like different things. This includes kissing, hugging and cuddling. In terms of sex, three types of sex people sometimes choose are vaginal sex, oral sex and anal sex. It’s important for men to use condoms to help protect themselves and their partners from STDs, whether their partner is a male or a female.”
Comment – The adult population that self describes as homosexual is 2-3%. The number of children in K-12. In this study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2603519/ the authors said “Remafedi et al (4) reported that 1.1% of teens identified as gay or bisexual, but 4.5% stated that their main sexual attraction was to individuals of the same-sex. A Massachusetts (USA) study (5) found that 2.5% of youth self-identified as gay, lesbian or bisexual.” So why in heaven’s name are same-sex practices the point of a lesson example when 95-99% of the students will NOT have an interest or desire for such? Answer – Because the authors and sponsors of this curriculum want the practices mainlined and normalize.
Page 21: Example: “Are you supposed to use a condom for a blowjob?”
“This is an important question. Blowjob is a slang word for oral sex on a penis. It is important for people to use a condom when having oral sex with a penis because HIV and other STDs can be spread through oral sex, as well as vaginal and anal sex. There are special condoms designed specifically for use during oral sex that do not have lubricant on them, but people can use any condom they have.”
Comment – I must be really out of touch. Why didn’t they include a “hand job” as well? Seriously, 7th and 8th graders? By the time they get done with the lessons and demonstrations the students will know what the educators want them to know. What if the person performing the oral sex swallows the condom? Isn’t that a health risk? So now the educators have introduced multiuse condoms…that of course never break.
Grade 7 Lesson 1 HIV and Other STDs – Family Newsletter
HIV is also spread from mother to baby if a woman has HIV while she is pregnant.
Comment – In this lesson they appear to contradict the Page 18 statement about fetus HIV infection being a small risk. How can they make this kind of factual mistake?
Please take the time to go through the side-by-side review and the 5th/6th and 7th/8th grade KNOW curriculum and decide for yourself whether this material is appropriate for the age and developmental status of your child/ren. Then, contact your school principal and school district and school board and share your thoughts. If you don’t say anything then you are agreeing with what they are doing. Your choice.
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