What Does it Mean to Become an Advocate? (continued)

Starting a Sex Ed Program in San Francisco

Parents of students in an elementary school (kindergarten through fifth grade) in San Francisco found themselves unprepared to answer questions from their seven-year-olds about sexuality.The parents turned to their children's teacher for guidance only to learn that she, too, felt unable to answer the questions. At this point, they realized the need for a sexuality education program in their school.

After two years of working with the head of the school, the parents formed the Sexuality & Health Education Curriculum Advisory Committee. It was carefully planned to include at least one parent from each grade that would have a sexuality education class.

The committee made a number of recommendations about the program. First, it suggested that the program begin in the second grade. It also suggested in-house teachers rather than outside professionals because it felt parents, teachers, and students would be more comfortable.

The committee also set out to find age-appropriate books and curricula for the program and contacted SIECUS and other organizations for suggestions. It decided on Our Whole Lives, a comprehensive curriculum. It also selected It's So Amazing, an illustrated children's book by Robie Harris.To help parents understand the importance of sexuality education, the committee scheduled a training.

Even though the training was well attended, not everyone supported the program. After one parent opposed the curriculum, a teacher decided not to finish teaching the class because she was uncomfortable with the material.

Using the lessons learned throughout this process, the parents improved the program in 2003. For example, teachers will play a much more integral role in designing the curriculum.To avoid objections from parents after the program has started, the committee will meet with parents in advance to review the curriculum in detail. Eventually, it hopes to provide age-appropriate sexuality education beginning in kindergarten.

Make Your Voice Heard

Support sexuality education by letting your state and federal officials know what you think. For a list of campaigns, go to www.familiesaretalking.org/ action.html or contact Amy Levine, SIECUS Family Project Coordinator, at 212/819-9770, extension 303.