Comprehensive Sexual Health Education 

EGUSD Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Philosophy Statement

The Elk Grove Unified School District’s comprehensive sexual health education program has several characteristics. It is a sequence of instruction rather than a brief, single course. Since many of the concepts of comprehensive sexual health education involve ethical and moral values, the school district involves individuals from the community, which may include parents, religious leaders, health professionals, and other community agencies in planning, implementing, and evaluating the program, while maintaining the separation of church and state. This program establishes a foundation to help prepare students to have respect for oneself, one’s family and others; self-discipline and control over one’s actions as well as responsibility for the consequences of one’s actions; and an adequate knowledge base from which to make well-reasoned decisions.

The Elk Grove Unified School District’s comprehensive sexual health education program is consistent with the California State Standards and pertinent legal mandates.  The Elk Grove Unified School District endorses a comprehensive sexual health education program that encourages abstinence and acknowledges the family as an important contributor.

EGUSD CSHE Curriculum Development 

After 2+ years reviewing off-the-shelf curriculum aligned to the California Healthy Youth Act, EGUSD health educators determined that there was not an existing program that aligned to the spirit and intent of CHYA or met the needs of students in Elk Grove USD. As a result, the educators recommended that we utilize the resources available to develop our own lessons.

CSHE Curriculum Development Goals:

• Create a series of lessons for grades 5, 7, and high school (9) for implementation in the 2022-2023 school year

  • Ensure lessons are compliant with CA Education Code (see CHYA) and other state and federal requirements, age-appropriate, and inclusive.

  • Integrate high-quality instructional practices and teacher resources.

• Provide opportunities for students, staff, families, and community members to give feedback during the curriculum development. This would include student organizations and community advisory groups.

• Concurrently design effective professional development for all teachers of the courses so that they are able to confidently and comfortably provide the instruction to their students, including annual updates and refresher courses.

• Allow for the accessibility of all lessons in print and digital format for teachers in a way that allows for updates to the curriculum as needed.

• Publicly share the learning progression, lessons, and teacher resources with community members via the EGUSD website.