Sexual Health Education
At Glastonbury Public Schools, we understand the sensitive nature of teaching students the topics of human growth and development and sexual health. We encourage open communication and partnership with parents to ensure the best possible experience for their children in regard to these units of study.
Board of Education Executive Summary Report, June 13, 2022
Sexual Health Education Frequently Asked Questions
How does Glastonbury Public Schools develop its health education curriculum?
The K-12 Glastonbury Public Schools Health Education Curriculum incorporates national standards, essential core content, health skills, and social-emotional learning competencies.
Our health and wellness curriculum is reviewed every five years to achieve the best balance of needs, assessment, and instruction for our students. Due to COVID-19, our review was delayed and is on schedule for 2024.
All content changes are thoughtfully considered in collaboration with stakeholders that include parents, students, community members, and Board of Education members. During the review process, we look deeply into a variety of resources that align with standards and with our community’s individual needs.
No one resource prescribes the alignment of particular health skills or content. Instead, our local district determines what content is developmentally appropriate, what content aligns with the Glastonbury Public Schools mission, and what content will support our students to become health-literate individuals.
Are you teaching the State of Connecticut’s current Healthy and Balanced Living Curriculum Framework?
The state framework is not a curriculum. As stated in the introduction to the framework document, “The CSDE’s Healthy and Balanced Living Curriculum Framework Standards provides the required elements of instruction and are worded broadly to allow for local decision-making in designing specific curriculum.”
The document (originally released in 2021 and updated in May 2022) includes standards, essential questions, and suggested learning goals to aid school districts in developing their own curriculum. It is only one of many important resources that Glastonbury Public Schools uses when developing our curriculum. In short, our district determines what is taught to our students.
What teacher training has taken place related to the state’s health curriculum framework?
There has been no teacher training on the state’s health curriculum framework. The topic was listed on the agenda of a teacher meeting in February 2022 only as an informational item. It was noted at the session that this topic is “on the horizon” and will be part of future professional learning.
At what grade levels are sexual health topics taught in health class?
Sexual health topics are taught in the Grade 5 Human Growth and Development unit, in the Grades 7 and 8 Puberty and Relationships units, in the Grade 9 Teens and Healthy Relationships unit, and in the Grade 10 Teens and Sexuality unit.
Why is the grade 5 human growth and development unit taught in a coed environment?
Puberty and adolescent development are normal, healthy stages of life. An inclusive (coed) environment supports student learning about all human bodies and the challenges and changes experienced during puberty. It ensures that all students receive the same accurate, developmentally appropriate information.
Do you discuss sexual intercourse in grade 5?
No. Sexual intercourse is not discussed.
Do you discuss sexuality in grade 5?
No. Sexuality is not discussed.
What happens if grade 5 students ask about sexual intercourse or another topic that goes beyond the scope of the class?
If this happens, teachers explain that their concerns and questions are important ones; however, they are not part of this course and should be discussed with parents or guardians at home.
What are the key grade 5 vocabulary words/terms discussed in the anatomy portion of the class?
Key vocabulary includes: estrogen, fallopian tubes, ovaries, ovum, vagina, uterus, endometrial lining, menstruation, breasts, testosterone, penis, testicles, urethra, sperm, semen, prostate gland, erection, ejaculation, nocturnal emission, pubic hair.
Can parents opt their children out of sexual health units?
Yes. Parents do have the option to opt-out their children from these units of study. Grade 5 parents receive a letter prior to the Human Growth and Development unit that describes the lesson content and structure. We encourage parents to discuss the unit with their children both before and after the lessons and we provide additional suggested resources. This website includes opt-out information on the relevant health curriculum pages.
What topics are covered in the sexual health units?
Here is a brief summary/list of topics by grade level.
Grades K-4: No Sexual Health Topics.
Grade 5: Human Growth and Development.
In grade 5, students learn about the physical, social, and emotional changes and challenges associated with puberty. The two-lesson unit is taught during extended Wednesdays sometime between December and March. School nurses and health and education teachers co-teach the lessons when applicable. Topics include the similarities and differences between boys and girls; emotional, social, and physical changes associated with puberty; hygienic behaviors associated with puberty; and reliable resources to gather information about changes during puberty. Student questions and concerns are discussed.
This unit is also supported by an optional evening Human Growth and Development Program where students in grades 4, 5, and 6 (ages 10 and up) attend together with their parents.
Grade 7 & 8: Puberty and Relationships
In grades 7 and 8, health faculty teach a unit on puberty and relationships. Curriculum topics include puberty, communication, consent, healthy versus unhealthy relationships, the impact of technology and social media, and personal safety (e.g. bullying, harassment, and boundaries). Adolescence and Sexuality curriculum topics include reproductive systems, gender identity, expression, orientation, STDs, HIV, and personal safety (e.g. assault).
Grade 9: Teens and Healthy Relationships
In grade 9, health faculty teach a unit on teens and healthy relationships. These lessons include the laws that govern the age of consent, sexual identity, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment. Methods of contraceptives are discussed. Students will explore and analyze what it means to be a sexually healthy teenager.
Grade 10: Teens and Sexuality
In grade 10, health faculty teach a unit on puberty and relationships. Students will learn about the effectiveness of contraceptives and the financial implications of teen pregnancy. They will review Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and how an unhealthy decision could possibly lead to consequences that affect one's health and well-being. Students’ awareness will be increased about self-concept and body image. Finally, students will explore and evaluate ways to maintain personal safety.