ST. George — A presentation was made at a recent Washington County School District Board of Education meeting to help the community better understand what to expect regarding sex education courses offered in public schools.
At the April board meeting, Amy Christiansen, the district's secondary science, social studies and health coordinator, announced Utah's mandatory sex education policy.
The state operates under an “opt-in policy,” meaning students are not enrolled in the curriculum by default.
Parents have full control over whether their child participates. Utah is one of two states that operate this way, the other being Arizona. Parents who allow their children to participate can be selective about which parts of the curriculum their students participate in. Students will also be sent home with foldable utensils and educational materials that will be used to facilitate learning and discussion.
“We want to be completely transparent with parents,” Steve Dunham, communications director for the Washington County School District, told St. George News. “We tell them, 'This is the curriculum. This is the curriculum. If you have any questions, please let us know.'
Overview from Utah State Board of Education Health education in Utah is critical to equipping students with the skills necessary for lifelong health, which is essential to the state's physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being essential to academic success. It says it reflects its mission. Additionally, Utah schools are partnering with parents and communities.
The brief further outlines that the central purpose of the state health curriculum is to develop health literate individuals who understand and can apply the principles of health promotion and disease prevention.
Sex education lessons begin in 5th grade, again in 7th grade, and end in 10th grade.
The 5th grade maturation program focuses on teaching preadolescent and adolescent children to understand the physical and emotional changes that occur during adolescence.
Schools invite nurses to screen short educational videos for students and parents that focus on physical changes during adolescence.
In 7th grade, sex education classes are based on these topics, and in 10th grade, the course goes beyond what is experienced during physical development.
The program includes “the foundations for healthy cells and mental and emotional health,” Christiansen said.
Sex education courses primarily focus on human development, addressing physical, social, cognitive and emotional changes in adolescents, she said.
The lessons are abstinence-based and review anatomy and physiology and the importance of caring for the reproductive system. The lesson also includes pregnancy terminology. Emphasis is placed on teaching students about neonatal safe evacuation techniques.
We also teach “refusal skills,” also known as abuse prevention. This includes teaching students how to identify reliable sources of information while engaging them in discussions about the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships.online interactions, the importance of personal boundaries and mutual respect, and more.
Students also learn about preventing sexually transmitted diseases and infections and maintaining good hygiene.
Dunham and Christiansen said public reaction has been largely positive, with only a handful of parents voicing concerns. But they noted that parents' concerns primarily arise when national news reports about national sex education standards without knowing that those standards do not apply to Utah.
The process for updating Utah's education standards will reportedly be transparent, with public review and community input considered before changes are officially adopted.
Each district also has a parent committee that approves new curriculum related to health education.
There are no tests or exams. Students will be evaluated solely on their participation.
Teachers in Utah are required to undergo training every three years to keep up to date with state laws and education policies.
Dunham also meets directly with teachers to ensure any questions are answered. He said students need to understand the curriculum they are being taught to make sure they are all on the same page.
“The important thing to know about this is we're not here to coach,” Christiansen said. “We are here to present the facts so students have accurate information.”
If you have any questions, please click here. State Board of Health webpage.
Further details on the course curriculum can be found at the following link:
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