FUSD Social/Sexual Health Curriculum Program

  • Adopted by FUSD Governing Board July 9, 2024

    Introduction to Social/Sexual Health Curriculum for Grades Five (5), Seven (7), Nine (9), and Eleven (11)

    This curriculum has been developed to address critical needs of students growing up in today’s society. Social/Sexual Health education is addressed with specific and accurate information regarding the anatomy and physiology of human reproduction, as well as behaviors which can result in serious consequences such as unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Incorporated into the lessons are skills young people need to avoid risky and harmful behaviors, such as decision-making and refusal skills. Development of healthy relationships is addressed at each level. The curriculum stresses that students should take personal responsibility for their decisions and actions, but also provides them with resources if they need help. Legal issues regarding sexual abuse, mandated reporting of peer abuse which results in physical injury, sexual assault, sex with a minor, and sexual harassment are included. The curriculum has been written and materials have been selected with careful consideration given to age appropriateness.

    For fifth grade, we made some small edits to our social/sexual health curriculum and approach. According to state guidelines, two rooms must be designated by gender for students under age 14. Students will self-select into the room they feel most comfortable. All students will receive the same instruction in both rooms. This includes information about puberty, menstruation, and reporting and preventing abuse. Students will also learn about consent and be provided accurate information to stay safe and healthy. In fifth grade, scenarios will start being used to help students engage in safe and respectful conversation. 

    For seventh and ninth grade, the curriculum ‘Positive Prevention PLUS’ will be utilized. Positive Prevention PLUS curriculum materials are evidence-based instruction in Comprehensive Sexual Health Education and Teen Pregnancy Prevention. All materials are aligned with National Health Education Standards (NHES), and in full compliance with California Education Code including California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA). For seventh grade, classrooms will be designated by gender. Students will self-select into the room they feel most comfortable. For ninth grade, the curriculum will be taught in a co-educational classroom.

    Parent awareness is perceived as a very important component of the curriculum. It requires the provision of accurate information to parents regarding the instruction their students will receive. At all grade levels in which the curriculum is taught, parents are invited to attend a meeting in which detailed information regarding the content of instruction is provided along with the opportunity to preview materials and videos. An instructor of the curriculum presents the information to parents and answers any questions they may have.

    At grades, five, seven, nine, and eleven the curriculum is provided on an “opt in” basis. Written parent permission is required. For students at any grade level whose parents choose not to have them participate, alternative instruction is provided in accordance with Arizona Department of Education requirements. The responsibility for alternative instruction is left to each individual school.

    It should be noted that instructors in this curriculum are not intended to be and are not trained to be personal counselors. If students present with serious problems, the instructor will contact parents when appropriate and use referral sources such as the school nurse, counselor, or community resources. (Note: if students should disclose parental abuse, parents are not contacted.) In specific situations which require adherence to legal mandates, such as sexual abuse, rape, statutory rape, or other types of assault, the instructor will refer to appropriate agencies such as the Department of Economic Security Child Protective Services or to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Sexual harassment disclosures will be handled following District procedures outlined in Governing Board Policy and may include formal complaint investigation.
    The content of the lessons for each grade level is correlated with the Arizona Department of Education Comprehensive Health Standards and selected skills. The curriculum complies with all required Arizona Department of Education regulations.
    Visitors are not permitted to attend the classes so that students are not inhibited to engage in frank and open discussion and questions.

    School administrators are responsible for meeting with instructors to discuss how lessons are presented and generally how students are responding to the instruction.

    Please feel free to review the curriculum for each grade taught listed in a PDF format by clicking on the grade below. If you have any questions regarding this curriculum, please contact Ms. Betty Smith via email: esmith@fusd1.org