Overview

“Sexual health education is a critical component of comprehensive health education that helps students develop knowledge and skills needed to become successful learners and healthy and productive adults.” WA Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction(OSPI). 

The Washington legislature found that "young people should have the knowledge and skills necessary to build healthy relationships, and to protect themselves from unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection. The primary responsibility for sexual health education is with parents and guardians. However, this responsibility also extends to schools and other community groups. It is in the public's best interest to ensure that young people are equipped with medically and scientifically accurate, age-appropriate information that will help them avoid unintended pregnancies, remain free of sexually transmitted diseases, and make informed, responsible decisions throughout their lives."

Parents/guardians may preview sexual health materials and may have their student excused from planned instruction in sexual health education. Parents will be notified at least 30 days in advance of the instruction and will need to notify their students school for the approved opt out form. Excused students will be provided with appropriate alternative educational opportunities.