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Training for Teachers
In 1912 the National Education Association decided it was approiate for teachers to begin training for sexuality education programs. -
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History of Sex Education
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Sex Education in Schools
Sex Education was introduced to the American Public School system in 1913. -
The Chamberlain-Kahn Act
in 1918 U.S. Congress passed the Chamberlain-Kahn Act, which allocated money to educate soldiers about syphilis and gonorrhea. During this time, Americans began to view sex ed as a public-health issue. -
Training Materials
In 1930 the United States Office of Education started to publish materials such as books for students and they also went more in depth with training for the teachers. -
U.S. Public Health Service
Until the 1950s, the federal government remained involved in sex education, mainly through the U.S. Public Health Service, emphasizing the medical and moral dangers of sexually transmitted diseases. -
SIECUS
SIECUS, the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, was founded in 1964 by Dr. Mary S. Calderone. During her time as the Medical Director for the Planned Parenthood Federation, Dr. Calderone became concerned about the lack of information about sexuality for both young people and adults. So, with determination to live in a world in which sexuality was viewed as a natural and healthy part of life, she founded of SIECUS. -
Controversy Rises
In 1968-1969 some controversy rises about what exactly should be taught in sex education classes and whether or not there should even be a place for sex education classes in the public school system anymore. Many states ended up reviewing and revising their sex education programs. -
How AIDS & HIV Affect Sex Education
Due to the increase of AIDS & HIV nearly 80% of students in the public school system were now taking Sex Education. -
"Right & Wrong"
In 1987 Education Secretary William Bennett called on the nation's public schools saying they should start teaching "right & wrong" in sex education classes. Also stating that children should be taught not only about sex, but also should be taught not to engage in sexual intercourse as well. -
Welfare Reform Act
In 1996 the Welfare Reform Act was passed and the Federal government directed tens of millions of dollars to abstinence-education programs for the first time. -
Abstinence
In 1997 15% of Americans believed that sex education in schools should primarily about abstinence, while only 30% of all sex education programs focused primarily only abstinence. -
CBAE
CBAE stands for Community-Based Abstinence Education, the objectives of the CBAE are to educate young people and create an environment within communities that supports teen decisions to postpone sexual activity until marriage. -
The REAL Act
The REAL Act stands for Responsible Education About Life Act. It's purpose is to create the first ever dedicated funding stream for sex education. Programs funded would educate young people about teenage pregnancy and how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. These programs would also teach about such topics as healthy relationships and communication skills. -
The Bush Abstinence Era
2000-2008 In Bush’s time in office, there was more money and stricter guidelines for abstinence-only sex education. -
Obama is Ellected
Obama advocates comprehensive sex education and cut funds for abstinence-only sex education programs. -
Why is Sex Education important to teach in schools?
A 2009 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey indicates that 46 percent of all high school students say they have had sex; and 14 percent of high school students have had sex with four or more partners during their lifetime. Among students who had sex in the three months prior to the survey, 61 percent reported condom use and 23 percent reported birth control pill use during their last sexual encounter. -
New Goals
The National Sexuality Education Standards. Its goal is “to provide clear, consistent, and straightforward guidance on the essential minimum, core content for sexuality education that is age-appropriate for students in grades K-12.” -
State Policies
21 states and the District of Columbia require public schools to teach sex education (including HIV education);
33 states and the District of Columbia require students receive instruction about HIV/AIDS.
18 states require sex education curricula to be medically accurate and/or age appropriate.
