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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

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.  

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CONTACT US

    • Cheryl Todisco
      Director of Health Education
      ctodisco@bostonpublicschools.org