HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Curriculum

Q: What are elementary students learning about sexual health?
A: In FWPS, no sexual health instruction occurs before 5^th grade, when it is required by state law. In 5^th grade, scholars learn about puberty, the reproductive system, healthy boundaries and personal safety, how the immune system works, how HIV affects the immune system, that abstinence is the best way to prevent HIV infection, and refusal skills.

Q: When do students learn about puberty?
A: In FWPS, one two day lesson about puberty is taught in 5^th grade, and one lesson each year in 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade. Whenever possible students are separated by gender for this lesson.

Q: What curriculum is used to teach about sexual health?
A: Federal Way Public Schools has adopted FLASH and KNOW for sexual health. However, we do not use every activity in these materials. The district has developed curriculum guides to support teachers with the use of adopted materials. Our FWPS curriculum guides for sexual health grades 5-8 use approximately 20% of the adopted materials.

Q: How do you ensure that teachers only use the lessons in the guides?
A: FWPS has made its own curriculum guides using the lesson materials from FLASH and KNOW. The curriculum guides include only the selected lessons and selected lesson materials (approximately 20% of the adopted materials). Teachers in FWPS will receive the FWPS curriculum guide, not the full FLASH or KNOW curriculum, and are directed and trained to use only the lessons in the curriculum guide.

Q: How will families know what is taught in each grade?
A: FWPS offers HIV and Sexual Health Curriculum Information Sessions. These events offer families an opportunity to preview the lessons and learn about how the lessons are taught at each grade level. Families who choose to opt their child out of these lessons can complete the paperwork at this event or by making arrangements with the district office.

Q: How will I know when these lessons will be taught to my scholar?
A: Teachers will send a letter home prior to teaching the sexual health lessons in class. Parents can always reach out to their child’s teacher to get clarification about the timeline for these lessons.

Q: How can I opt my child out of these lessons?
A: Opt out forms are available at the HIV and Sexual Health Curriculum Information Sessions or by special request. Per state law, parents and guardians must preview the lessons on HIV/AIDS prior to opting their child out of instruction.

Q: How can I support my child at home?
A: Ask your child about what they are learning in class. Use this as an opportunity to discuss your family’s values, beliefs, and expectations about sexual health. Encourage your child to come to you or another trusted adult with their questions and problems.

Q: How was this curriculum selected for adoption?
A: A diverse team of stakeholders met during the 2017-18 school year to review sexual health education programs. The team reviewed curricula for their alignment to state laws and the Healthy Youth Act. We held four community meetings in the winter of 2018 and collected feedback from parents on health standards and curricula being considered. Upon board adoption, teachers used feedback from families and state laws to develop FWPS curriculum guides from the adopted resources.