HIV School Health: Abstinence-Based versus Comprehensive-Based Curriculums

According to the CDC, HIV-related education and infection control policies have been established, curriculum guidelines developed, and educators trained in the delivery of effective HIV prevention education. Based on a recent study of school districts nationwide, 67% required HIV education for students and 90% provided teacher preparation in the area of HIV education. The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (grades 9-12) of 2009 reports that 13% were never taught in school about AIDS or HIV infection. Each state provides the course requirements, standards, and curriculum for HIV education, which is to occur in grades K-12 or 5-12. In states such as Alabama, state code specifies that "any program or curriculum in the public schools in Alabama that includes sex education or the human reproductive process shall, as a minimum, include and emphasize" abstinence as the only method that will prevent HIV, STD, and pregnancy. But other states follow the CDC recommendations for key concepts that that should be included in the comprehensive sex and HIV education program. Some states allow each school district to choose. Both the standard abstinence-based program and the comprehensive program will be discussed. This session will focus on helping educators understand what is required to teach at certain grade levels, and provide tips and strategies for teaching this important health issue in the K-12 environment.