School officials talk with concerned parents

Franklin school leaders discussed social emotional learning, adoption of curriculum and diversity of opinion with concerned parents during a community meeting this week.

About a dozen people attended the open forum Tuesday at Beeson Hall in Franklin.

Parent Jim O’Rourke, who has been a mainstay at Franklin school board meetings, shared concerns about social emotional learning with relation to CASEL, an organization that promotes transformative social emotional learning. Transformative social emotional learning includes equity and social justice, but what Franklin schools teaches focuses on behavioral skills, social interaction and emotional regulation, said Brooke Worland, assistant superintendent.

“The program aligns with state employability standards,” Worland said. “The state said there are certain things we need to cover, such as teamwork, communication and how to get along with others.”

Parents who attended the meeting also shared concerns about the process of curriculum adoption, and wanted to know how they can get involved with the selection process for textbooks.

Parents and community members have consistently been allowed to serve on committees, but Superintendent David Clendening wants more parent involvement as the district gets ready to adopt curriculum and textbooks in math and social studies for the next six years, he said.

“If you want to be on a committee, absolutely. I don’t know if I’ve turned down anyone. I love parent involvement,” he said.

To further increase parent involvement in the curriculum and textbook selection process this school year, Franklin schools will hold three community meetings in January where parents can give their feedback on an array of textbook options for math and social studies, Worland said.

“We’re trying to provide more opportunities for parent interest right now,” she said. “Outside of committees, we will have meetings in January to allow parents to look at materials before the board vote. Once the committee makes a selection, there will be another opportunity for parents to look at resources at the central office. We are trying to communicate, be transparent and allow for engagement and feedback with the processes and resources.”

Another parent was concerned about conservative and religious students’ voices being discouraged, but Clendening countered by pointing out the existence of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Young Republicans Club at Franklin schools.

“We haven’t really changed, but people look at us differently. The guiding principal of trust has eroded,” Clendening said. “People hear one little thing and take it to the next level, but at least we’re talking.”

Further public meetings and feedback are key in making the district the best it can be, Worland said.

“If you have ideas and thoughts, we want to hear them,” she said. “Thank you for being here, being engaging, asking questions and not being afraid to be blunt.”