The group that introduced the 'Gum Game' to area schools says it has been using the controversial lesson for nine years, and never had a complaint -- until now.
Gail Tierney, executive director of the Rockville Pregnancy Center, says her group has been sending speakers into Montgomery County classrooms, and using the 'Gum Game' as an exercise to teach about peer pressure and sexually transmitted diseases....
But Tierney says school officials knew about the game. When the center submitted an application to come into the schools and offer speakers nine years ago, Tierney says the group submitted all the materials and brochures that would be used in the lessons.
Asked whether the health teachers knew about the 'Game' last week, Edwards told WTOP that school officials were looking into it. But Tierney showed WTOP teacher feedback sheets that indicated not only were teachers present, but they had monitored the lessons closely, offering an evaluation the lessons.
And in more than one case, the teachers pointed to the 'Gum Game' as a highlight of the lesson. On one sheet from a class that took place Jan. 5, teachers were asked, "What was the most valuable point in the program?" One teacher responded: "The student involvement, especially the decision making/peer pressure (gum chewing)."...