It’s unlikely there will be agreement anytime soon over how to handle materials some feel are explicit in schools.

Some want to handle such discussions with their children in their own time when they feel their child is ready for such themes. Others feel they should be available all the time, and if a child stumbles upon it it’s the parent’s job to handle the uncomfortable conversation whenever it may come.

But one thing that everyone should be able to agree upon is it should be easier for parents who are invested in their child’s education to have information about the curriculum used in their child’s school. Assemblyman Ed Flood, R-Port Jefferson, has introduced the New York State Curriculum Transparency and Parental Notification Act (A.7835) in the Assembly. It would require school districts to publish on their website all learning materials used in the district, a separate list from the general school budget when selecting, approving, adopting or purchasing all educational learning materials and allow for public access to those materials. Schools would have to submit a report to the state education commissioner that shows the materials removed from a school district’s curriculum and the grade level and course from which it was removed. The bill also requires the state to identify specific instructional material and explicit subjects and allow parents of students to review instructional material that includes explicit content and provide an alternative.

In our view, we agree with Flood that A.7835 isn’t about banning books or creating controversy for a school board. Parents should know what types of materials are being used in class. While materials considered explicit by some often take center stage in these discussions, Flood’s proposal would make it easier for parents to learn more about their child’s school curriculum at all levels. We have heard the hue and cry from schools that parents aren’t involved enough in education.

Allowing parents who are interested in what their children are learning an easier look at curriculum and materials is one way to keep parents involved and engaged with their child’s teacher. Not every parent wants that level of engagement, but the state should foster engaged parents who want the best education for their child.