Caught Off Guard: Teachers Rethinking Censorship and Controversy

This resource for teachers presents a wealth of information and ideas reflecting important, and at times widely divergent, viewpoints on censorship and related controversies about education. Based on extensive experience at both the classroom and district level, this book will help educators to clearly explain their actions in the classroom and to work effectively with parents and the community to promote students' intellectual growth and freedom. Each chapter provides practical information and insights to help educators respond to the concerns, fears, and demands of parents and organized groups. Included are experiences of educators who have been involved in curricular controversies and who, as a result, understand which situations are best handled by confrontation and which by accommodation. This book addresses issues that are of particular concern to teachers and parents, such as sexuality education, creationism, Internet access and materials, student newspapers, religion, politics, and morality in the classroom. For teachers and educators.