Week 11: Rethinking Schools Volume 38, No. 1 Fall 2023
Author: Lewis Steller
Argument Statement:
Lewis Stellar, the author of “What Makes a Baby, Really?”, discusses the importance of teaching reproduction, ethics and genetics to middle school students in an inclusive way to ensure that all students understand the complex ways people enter the world, including IVF (in-vitro fertilization), which is rarely discussed during the reproduction curriculum.
Talking Points:
“The human body is inherently political, and reproduction brings up big questions for adolescents exploring their own family history, political views, gender identity, and sexuality.”
“I wanted to find resources that would allow my 8th-grade classes to engage with human reproduction in a more universal way — a way that every student could see themselves in and that would provide a basis for rich conversations about reproductive technology and genetics.”
“My colleague River Suh recommends moving toward descriptive language about frequency of traits, such as common, most often, or frequently, rather than using loaded language like “normal,” “natural,” or even “typical” (see Resources).”
“It was a reminder of how important it is to create an open space for students to express concerns and questions, and how an inclusive curriculum can make a big difference in how a student conceptualizes their own history and experiences in the context of science and the broader world.”
“Discussions of IVF require considering when human life — and human rights — begin, and how to navigate challenging questions faced by scientists researching this subject.”
“Considering the possibility of genetic editing and even genetic screening led to conversations about eugenics and the painful history of racist, ableist reproductive control.”
“Our narrative was cohesive, inclusive, and supported students’ sense-making around how IVF functions in the larger picture of pregnancy and birth.”
Connections:
Lewis Steller’s article on the importance of teaching inclusive information related to reproduction was well done. His ability to understand the needs of his students and recognize the importance of informing this age group with accurate and relatable information shows his talent and dedication to his role as an educator. Stellar discusses the use of body parts rather than gender/sex terms and using descriptive language about frequency of traits. I think teaching reproductive health to students and providing them with reliable resources is essential. This article will help me reframe my approach in the future. The conversation with the student regarding grading method used to identify embryo quality during IVF was thought-provoking. With the increased use of IVF, I never took into consideration the impact it would have on humans as they become aware of the way they entered the world. Stellar also touches on the administrative and community support he feels around having these conversations with his students. This relates back to our many discussions about the importance of support when trying to implement positive changes within out school systems. He also emphasizes the importance of creating an open and safe space for students, especially middle school students, to feel comfortable enough to ask questions and explore concerns.
Resources:
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