CLASS ASSIGNMENT ASKS OPINIONS ABOUT RACE, SEXUAL ORIENTATION
MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT:
POLITICAL TYPOLOGY QUIZ
Rockwood parents complained when their 8th graders were assigned to answer questions about why Black people “can’t get ahead,” their political party, and their opinion on sexual orientation.
It was in history class during the 2020-2021 school year.
Kids as young as 13 years old answered these questions.
Dr. Shelley Willott is Rockwood’s Assistant Superintendent of Learning and Support Services.
She had this to say about parent concerns:
“This particular quiz was developed by the Pew Organizational, which has been considered a reputable research organization. We have used the quiz for years, and these types of questions were never included. This year, those questions were added without our knowledge. As soon as a teacher brought it to our attention, we communicated with all teachers to cease using this resource."
The quiz has been updated. This is the link to a more recent version:
ACTION:
Rockwood said it stopped using the quiz.
We do not yet know if the district will use it again in the future.
This is one of several instances from last school year where the district was unaware of lesson content until parents brought it to their attention.
DETAILS:
8th grade history
2020-2021 school year
PARENT CONCERNS:
Inappropriate questions
Status: Unknown.