having a basic understanding of the biology of an actual specimen is not out of order. I have seen the necropsy of numerous horses and I would not advise it for the weak of heart or stomach. I can see the need for someone in a vet/nursing field to not only understand anatomy but overcome the rather natural revulsion of dealing with the inside anatomy of a human/animal. The fetal pig pushes a child to face something new. learn and address fears on some level. All of those are beneficial in their own right. It was a right of passage in some aspects in science class. Understanding basic biology and how and what the organs are for is a far cry from a college student that has to learn not only what they do but the feel , texture and how to manipulate and recognize different tissue and abnormalities in that organ/system. This experience can also ignite an interest in pursing a field in medicine for some children. We don't want to PC ourselves to death over this aspect of learning. Just make sure it does more good than harm.
I have dissected a cat (while a nursing student). No it was not pleasant; but definitely have a better understanding of my cats anatomy for it I talked with someone about my feelings and she said to look at it as learning from this cat would help me help other cats. So my lab partner (my BFF) and I did what we had to do. I eventually changed majors; but it did turn out to be helpful in understanding the girls anatomy in the various health issues they have encountered over the years. It was also different than I expected. I think I just pushed the thought that it was a cat to the side and focused on the assignment.
I don't see why a high school level course has to use them vs another animal. I don't believe my high school used anything other than pigs, a squid and mice; but I chose not to take that class (an advanced placement class). That being said; there really is something different about learning with a specimen vs an illustration (computer or otherwise). I just don't see the need for it to be a cat at that educational level. If the course were one that gives college credit (some do) then yes I could see more advanced dissections such as this being included even though it is in a high school.
We used a number of preserved specimens in the courses I took. Our frogs were live and then released to an appropriate location. I couldn't tell you if the anatomy of a fetal pig vs a cat is comparable to human anatomy. As much as the thought of dissections is unpleasant; there is a place for it in education. I found when facing the specimens; it was much less emotionally involved than I expected. The only difficult one was the cat; probably because I was the only "whole" animal used. Otherwise there was no emotional connection. Being a nursing student; I was sure I would encounter much worse in the real world.