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Gilbert, Arizona
A Williams Field High School teacher who was suspended for performing a cheerleading routine in class that was posted on YouTube is in hot water again. Cristina Mallon, who was returned to her teaching duties by the Higley Unified School District, was the focus of a new controversy after complaints were made October 24 about a novel that she assigned to her freshman English students.
According to Ken Bryden, 59, and his son Cory, 18, Mallon chose Jake Reinvented, by Gordon Korman, for the class. The Brydens told the Higley governing board that they think the book is inappropriate for freshmen, based on reviews saying that there are themes of teen drinking, sex and violence. Ken Bryden's daughter, Hailey, 14, is in Mallon's class but was not present at the board meeting.
"We just want to make sure the school board knows what's going on in the school," said Cory Bryden, who is not enrolled at Williams. "The book has been deemed inappropriate. Maybe it's for juniors or seniors, but it's not for freshmen."
Joyce Lutrey, the district's superintendent, offered to meet with the Brydens. Assistant superintendent Lynn Weed, who oversees curriculum for the district, said she would take up the matter. "I will look into that curriculum situation as soon as possible, you bet," Weed said. "Our policy says that our materials and curriculum (must be) board-adopted."
A letter to parents on Williams Field stationery, dated October 2 and bearing Mallon's signature, pledges to make accommodation for students whose parents object to the book.
The YouTube video, which captured Mallon, the school's cheerleading coach, performing a seemingly innocuous cheer at the front of a classroom as students hooted and cheered, received national media attention. Reported in: Arizona Republic, October 25.
Winchester, Kentucky
Concerned parents of Conkwright Middle students and local Christian leaders appeared before the school's site-based decision-making council October 11 protesting the use of a book they say goes against their beliefs. But teachers and parents who reviewed the book, Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass, say it is suitable for middle school students, who understand it's a fantasy novel.
"We want more than anything for kids to be interested in reading," said language arts teacher Susan Mitmesser, who presented the review...