Sexual Health Education
Sexual Health Education is an important part of the BPS Comprehensive Health Education program for PreK through Grade 12. Classes are taught by qualified, trained teachers and address the physical, mental, emotional and social aspects of human sexuality at a level appropriate to the age of the students. The curriculum includes education about sexual and gender identity and is inclusive of all, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ+) students. The program is designed to help students maintain sexual health by developing healthy relationships, delaying sexual activity, preventing disease and pregnancy, and reducing risky sexual behaviors. The lessons may include these topics:
- Adolescent growth and development, including the changes throughout puberty
- How to cultivate and maintain healthy relationships
- How communicable diseases (including HIV/AIDS) are spread and how to prevent their spread
- Health enhancing behaviors and behaviors which pose risks to good health
- Responsible decision making, including reducing sexual health-related risk behaviors
- Resisting negative peer pressure
- Effective ways to say “no” to risky behaviors
- Respecting the right to privacy of self and others.
BPS SEXUAL HEALTH EDUCATION: PreK-12 Overview
Growth, Development and Sexual Health Education |
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Grades PreK-3 Dimensions of Health; Social, Emotional, Physical Friendships Personal Boundaries, Safety and Consent Gender Roles Different Kinds of Families
Body Basics Bullying Prevention My Healthy Habits |
Grades 4-6 My Dimensions of Health; Social, Emotional, Physical Exploring Personal Values Healthy Relationships Consent and Boundary Setting Gender Stereotypes Puberty and Reproductive System Hygiene Health
Staying Safe Online Bullying Prevention My Healthy Choices |
Grades 7-8 Building Healthy Relationships Consent, Agency and Boundaries Gender Identity and Expression; Sexual Orientation Reproductive Anatomy & Physiology Birth Control Basics STIs, HIV and AIDS Prevention Internet Safety | Cyberbullying Prevention Making SMART Choices Accessing Reliable Information & Resources |
Grades 9-12 Healthy Relationships, Power Dynamics & Communication Rights, Respect, Responsibility Gender Identity and Expression; Sexual Orientation Reproductive Anatomy & Physiology Contraception Options STIs, HIV and AIDS Prevention Using Technology Respectfully and Responsibly Sexual Health Decision Making Accessing Reliable Information & Resources |
Materials for health classes include: Michigan Model for Health, HealthSmart for Comprehensive Health Education; Healthy Relationships, Personal Boundaries and Safety, PreK-Grade 3 & Healthy and Safe Body Unit, Grades 4-5 (BPS Health & Wellness); Rights, Respect, Responsibility (Advocates for Youth); Making Proud Choices; and Get Real for Sexual Health Education.