Health and PE Core Curriculum in Utah
Sex Education
Sexuality instruction occurs within the health core curriculum area.
What is human sexuality instruction?
Utah State Rules define human sexuality instruction as "any course, unit, class, activity or presentation that provides instruction or information to students about sexual abstinence, human reproduction, reproductive anatomy, physiology, pregnancy, marriage, childbirth, parenthood, contraception or ... sexually transmitted diseases."
What is taught in sex education within CSD?
Curricula are designed to be developmentally appropriate. In late elementary grades students are taught about physiological changes that occur in teen years as children transform into adults. In junior high school and high school students are taught about the importance of abstinence until marriage and fidelity after marriage to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Moral fortitude and refusal skills are emphasized. Utah law prohibits advocacy of condom use or alternative life styles that involve sexual acts outside of marriage.
Role of parents
Parents are critical partners in instruction of human sexuality. Parents must sign permission for their children to participate in human sexuality instruction and have a right to view the curriculum. Research indicates that when parents develop strong relationships with, communicate regularly with, and monitor their children, decreased early sexual activity and fewer sexual partners result. Parents are encouraged to speak to their children about their beliefs and values concerning sexuality. If parents would like their adolescence to become knowledgeable about safe sex outside abstinence (such as use of condoms) it is incumbent upon them to provide such knowledge.
Resources
Utah Sex Education Legislation
What is human sexuality instruction?
Utah State Rules define human sexuality instruction as "any course, unit, class, activity or presentation that provides instruction or information to students about sexual abstinence, human reproduction, reproductive anatomy, physiology, pregnancy, marriage, childbirth, parenthood, contraception or ... sexually transmitted diseases."
What is taught in sex education within CSD?
Curricula are designed to be developmentally appropriate. In late elementary grades students are taught about physiological changes that occur in teen years as children transform into adults. In junior high school and high school students are taught about the importance of abstinence until marriage and fidelity after marriage to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Moral fortitude and refusal skills are emphasized. Utah law prohibits advocacy of condom use or alternative life styles that involve sexual acts outside of marriage.
Role of parents
Parents are critical partners in instruction of human sexuality. Parents must sign permission for their children to participate in human sexuality instruction and have a right to view the curriculum. Research indicates that when parents develop strong relationships with, communicate regularly with, and monitor their children, decreased early sexual activity and fewer sexual partners result. Parents are encouraged to speak to their children about their beliefs and values concerning sexuality. If parents would like their adolescence to become knowledgeable about safe sex outside abstinence (such as use of condoms) it is incumbent upon them to provide such knowledge.
Resources
Utah Sex Education Legislation