ST. GEORGE — To help the community better understand what to expect when it comes to sex education courses provided in public schools, a presentation was provided during a recent Washington County School District Board of Education meeting.
Stock image, St. George NewsDuring April’s board meeting, Amy Christiansen, the district’s secondary science, social studies and health coordinator, presented the sex education policy mandated by the state of Utah.
The state operates under an “opt-in policy,” meaning that students are not enrolled in the curriculum by default.
Parents have complete control over whether their child participates. Utah is one of two states that operate this way, the other being Arizona. Parents who allow their child to participate can handpick which parts of the curriculum the student participates in. Students are also sent home with foldables and educational tools used to facilitate learning and discussion.
“We want to be completely transparent with parents,” Steve Dunham, communications director for Washington County School District, told St. George News. “We tell them, ‘This is the curriculum; let us know if you have any concerns about it.’”
An overview from the Utah State Board of Education states that health education in Utah is crucial for equipping students with the necessary skills for lifelong health and that it reflects the state’s mission of physical, mental, social and emotional well-being, all of which are essential for academic success. Furthermore, Utah schools are in partnership with parents and local communities.
The overview further outlines that the core aim of the state’s health curriculum is to nurture health-literate individuals who understand the principles of health promotion and disease prevention and can apply them.
Sex education classes start in fifth grade and are offered again in seventh grade, and then for a final time in 10th grade.
The maturation program in fifth grade is centered around teaching pre-adolescents and adolescents about understanding the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty.
The schools invite nurses to present a short educational video to students and parents that focuses on bodily changes during puberty.
Stock image, St. George NewsIn seventh grade, the sex ed class builds upon those topics, and in 10th grade, the course goes beyond what the body goes through while maturing.
The program includes “foundations for healthy cells and mental and emotional health,” Christiansen said.
Primarily focused on human development, sex education courses address physical, social, cognitive and emotional changes in adolescents, she said.
Lessons are abstinence-based and provide a review of anatomy and physiology and the importance of caring for the reproductive system. Lessons also include the terms of pregnancy. A significant focus is placed on teaching students about the Newborn Safe Haven Law.
They also teach “refusal skills,” known as abuse prevention. This includes teaching students how to identify credible sources while engaging them in discussions about the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships, including online interactions and the importance of personal boundaries and mutual respect.
Students also learn about preventing sexually transmitted diseases and infections and maintaining good hygiene.
Dunham and Christiansen said public reception has been mostly positive, with only a small handful of parents raising concerns. However, they noted that parents’ concerns occur mostly when national news sources report on the criteria of sex education across the nation and are unaware that those standards do not apply in the state of Utah.
Utah’s process for updating educational standards is reportedly transparent, and public reviews and input from the community are considered before any changes are formally adopted.
There is also a parent committee in each district to approve any new curriculum related to health education.
Stock image, St. George NewsThere are no tests or exams; students are graded solely on participation.
Utah teachers are required to undergo training every three years to stay current with state laws and educational policies.
Christiansen also personally meets with teachers to ensure their questions are answered. She said there is a need for teachers to understand the curriculum they’re teaching to make sure they’re all on the same page.
“The key thing to know about this is we’re not here to be instructional,” Christiansen said. “We’re here to present facts so students have accurate information.”
Those with questions should visit the state board health webpage.
The specifics of the course curriculum can be found at the following links:
- Health I Human Development standards
- Health II Human Development standards
- Health Curriculum Requirements Code 53G-10-402
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