District Office

College Place Public Schools Position Statements on: Mask Wearing Requirements, Critical Race Theory, CCDEI and Sexual Health Education

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There are many conversations happening nationally and in our own community related to the topics of Mask Wearing Requirements, Critical Race Theory (CRT), Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and Comprehensive Sexual Health Education (CSHE) related to schools. The College Place Public Schools is a system focused on caring for and loving each and every student in our system while providing them excellent learning opportunities, focused on creating an amazing atmosphere that will support the excellence in the College Place community.  To help bring greater clarity and understanding to these issues as they relate to our schools and to dispel any misinformation that may be circulating about these topics, we’ve prepared a brief summary of our position for each subject below. \r\n

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For questions or concerns related to Mask Wearing Requirements, CRT, CCDEI, or CSHE please contact College Place Public Schools.\r\n

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Mask Wearing Requirements\r\n

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On July 28, 2021, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, in tandem with the Washington State Department of Health set out requirements for the return to school Fall 2021 for all K-12 schools in the state of Washington.  Governor Inslee requires everyone in all K-12 schools (public and private) to wear masks inside the school in order to keep their doors open.  In follow-up communications, Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal reiterated the requirements from Governor Inslee and stated that any school failing to follow these guidelines would lose all of their apportionment from the state.\r\n

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Essentially, any school district that chooses to ignore the requirements would lose all school funding through their “apportionment.”  Schools operate almost entirely on funds that come from local, state, and federal dollars that all funnel through the state office back to the schools.  A failure to follow the requirement would cause any school to run out of operational funds within two to three months.\r\n

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We understand the controversy and conflict that is created when these kinds of mandates are applied to our schools.  We respect that there are differing opinions for why and why not masks.  We simply do not have the authority, or the ability, to ignore the state requirements; even if that is what we wanted.  To do so, would deprive all students in College Place Public Schools of the right to an education in our schools and that is simply not an option.  \r\n

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Our schools opened this fall the same as we closed in the spring, by complying with masking and other state requirements so that we can continue to provide an excellent education for the children of College Place.  When the mask requirements are changed, we will change our way as well.  Until then, we will continue to educate in a way that is different as we care and love for every child, “The CP Way.”  \r\n

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Critical Race Theory (CRT)\r\n

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Critical Race Theory is a theoretical framework that some universities and other academic institutions have used to examine racism in our nation’s past and how it influences our institutions today.\r\n

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The College Place Public Schools does not have a Critical Race Theory curriculum or class, nor does the state mandate us to do so. \r\n

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Some people are using terminology like CRT in ways that are confusing or just plain wrong. CPPS’ commitment is to ensure each of our students “have positive, personalized relationships where they feel connected, valued and inspired to learn and contribute,” while building a foundation of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our focus is on creating “responsive, learner-centered environments that engage and rigorously challenge each student.” In College Place Public Schools, we are dedicated to each student’s success, and we know that looks different for every student. \r\n

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The passage of recent legislation (House Senate Bill 5044) regarding required Cultural Competency, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (CCDEI) training for school staff has caused confusion among some and is often confused with Critical Race Theory. \r\n

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The legislation requires that starting in the 2021–2022 school year, school districts must use one of the professional learning days to train school district staff in one or more of the following topics: cultural competency, diversity, equity, or inclusion.   While this may be a new mandate from the state, CPPS began this work over three school years ago.  Our efforts have been to grow in our cultural competency in order for our system to be accessible and inclusive to reach each and every child. \r\n

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Critical Race Theory is not part of the new law, nor is any other specific curriculum mentioned in the law.\r\n

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The term “critical race theory” does not appear anywhere in the law and it does not mandate any specific criteria for students.\r\n

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CCDEI\r\n

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We acknowledge there is a wide variety of opinions and interpretations of the terms cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion (CCDEI). Rather than getting caught up in the national debate, what’s happening in our district is our work around Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning (CRTL) that started over two years ago and acknowledges, responds to, and celebrates each of our unique cultures to create equitable access for all.  We believe that CRTL, along with the support for our “Five Pillars of Character”, will continue to remove barriers, foster healthy relationships, and provide success for all of our students.  We believe that this is not an event, but an ongoing process that College Place Public Schools is committed to in supporting the success of all of our students. \r\n

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Comprehensive Sexual Health Education \r\n

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Our district will offer Comprehensive Sexual Health Education to students in grades 6-12 in 2021-2022 and K-5 in 2022-2023. Information about our adopted curriculum and other information for parents and the public is available on our website as required by the Washington State Legislature and Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. It is important to understand that the scope of this instruction may be as few as two times per year in grades 6-12 and one time in grades 4 and 5.  Kindergarten and 1^st grade only receive instruction in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) with no sexuality content whatsoever.\r\n

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College Place Public Schools recognizes that the primary responsibility for sexual health education rests with parents and guardians. Parents and guardians may review the district curriculum, and opt their child out of Sexual Health instruction at any grade level and for any and all lessons by contacting the classroom teacher, principal, or district.\r\n

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Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Implementation (Senate Bill 5395), passed by the Legislature and the voters in 2020, and took effect on December 3, 2020. It requires all Washington public schools to provide comprehensive sexual health education instruction that is medically and scientifically accurate, evidence-informed, age-appropriate, aligned with health and learning standards, and inclusive of all. The bill defines comprehensive sexual health education as recurring instruction in human development and reproduction.\r\n

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College Place Public Schools will meet the requirements set forth in law, but will adjust our instructional strategies and delivery of material in a way that ensures they mesh with our beliefs and culture and the community we serve.  We will rely on transparency and excellent communication with parents and guardians to support parents opting their students out for any or all of the lessons for a lesson or activity.  We commit to supporting these opt outs in a way that is discreet and substitutes quality learning options for each student.  \r\n