Comprehensive Sexual Health Education
Development of Curriculum in alignment with the California Healthy Youth Act
Development of Curriculum in alignment with the California Healthy Youth Act
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.
Per the California Department of Education (CDE)
Elementary School: It is permissible to teach knowledge and skills related to comprehensive sexual health and HIV prevention education in grades kindergarten through grade six (K–6), inclusive. All instruction and materials in grades K–6 must meet the instructional criteria or baseline requirements in EC Section 51933. Content that is required in grades 7–12 may be also be included in an age-appropriate way in earlier grades. (EC sections 51933, 51934[b].)
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.
Background Information
Lesson Summary & Pacing Guide
Lesson Plans with Support Materials
Glossary
FAQs
Health Education Content Standards for California Public Schools, Kindergarten through Grade Twelve
Revised Draft Health Education Framework (May 2019 Revision)
California’s Health Education Initiatives FAQs
ASHWG: Resources to Support Implementation of the California Healthy Youth Act
ETR: CHYA Compliance Assessment Tool (CAT)
Review conducted by the Adolescent Sexual Health Workgroup (ASHWG)
AMAZE.org - educational resources, including short videos, to build the skills of parents and guardians to better communicate with their children about sex and sexuality
Gender Spectrum: Principles of Gender-Inclusive Puberty and Health Education