200 -
Medicine Hat Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 20
August 2006
Administrative Procedures Manual
3
Administrative Procedure 205
CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES EDUCATION
Background
Controversial issues are those topics which are publicly sensitive and on which there is
no consensus of values or belief. By their nature, controversial issues generate diverse
opinions and debate on the distinctions between right and wrong, justice and injustice,
and on the interpretations of fairness and tolerance. They include topics on which
reasonable people may sincerely disagree and may reflect positions quite different than
those taken by the Catholic Church.
Opportunities to deal with sensitive issues and topics are an integral part of the
education programs and schooling process in Alberta schools. Courses of study and
education programs must handle controversial issues in a manner that respects the
rights and opinions reflected in different perspectives, but that rejects extreme or
unethical positions. In all dealings with controversial issues and materials, the Catholic
perspective must be included in the presentation and considerations.
For sound judgements to be made, students must have experiences in selecting,
organizing and evaluating information. The educational benefits to be gained by studying
controversial issues include the development of critical thinking, moral reasoning, and an
awareness and understanding of contemporary society.
The Division believes that studying controversial issues is important in preparing
students to participate responsibly in a democratic and pluralistic society. Such study
provides opportunities to develop student capacities to think clearly, to reason logically,
to open-mindedly and respectfully examine different points of view, and to reach sound
judgements.
Procedures
1. For sound judgements to be made, information regarding controversial issues is to:
1.1
Represent alternative points of view;
1.2
Appropri