FREE Sex Education in Virginia School Curriculum Essay (original) (raw)

One of the most controversial elements of the public school curriculum is that of sex education. Parents, religious groups, teachers, and teens all have varying opinions about the need for such instruction, along with the content of any program approaching this subject. This is no less controversial in the Commonwealth of Virginia, where the state Board of Education standards suggest-but do not mandate-age and grade-appropriate presentations that promote marriage, postponing sexual activity, adoption in the event of an unwanted pregnancy, and other topics of human sexuality and human relationships (SIECUS, 2010). Despite this state-level support, local school boards have the authority to determine all decisions on school curricula on human sexuality as long as they develop such programs with community involvement from parents, medical professionals, and religious groups (Virginia Department of Education, 2011). This paper takes the position that providing high quality sex education in the public schools results in greater likelihood of meeting the state standards specified above, and provides substantial benefits for teens in terms of reduced sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and reduced teenage pregnancy rates. .
As noted above, the Commonwealth of Virginia has suggested several goals for sex education programs developed by local school boards. These goals include reducing teen pregnancy, reducing STD rates in teens, and postponing sexual activity. Can sex education programs achieve such goals in general? The evidence in the scientific literature indicates that the answer to that question is yes. For example, a 2006 study of Texas middle school students participating in a sex education program designed by medical school professionals found that these students expressed an intention to delay sexual activity until after high school (Sulak et al.) In this case, the local school board wanted to develop a sex education curriculum and turned to the obstetrics/gynecology department of an academic medical center for help in designing the program.

1. sex education in the classroom

Sex Education and the Classroom In today's society there is an on going debate over sex education and its influence on our children. ... With teenage pregnancy rates higher than ever and the imminent threat of the contraction of STD's, such as HIV, the role of sex education in the school is of greater importance now then ever before. ... Sex education has become an essential part of the curriculum and by removing the information provided by this class we'd be voluntarily putting our children in danger. ... In order for children to grow up with the correct information rega...

2. Midterm paper on Christian schools vs Liberal Schools

Thesis Statement: Christian schools are better equipped for educating the future leaders of America than state or liberal schools because: their moral values are stronger, their academic curriculum is better goal oriented, and the overall experience is easier to enjoy and appreciate. ... While the state school's, such as Harvard, say this about their educational goals: "Harvard's goal is to provide students with the freedom to design individual academic programs within the structure of a broadly based liberal arts curriculum... Sowell Sr. from West Virginia State College says: "As ...

3. Educational Positions of Jefferson and Coram

In 1779, Jefferson introduced his "bill for the more general diffusion of knowledge" in the Virginia assembly. This included a plan for the state to fund elementary schools, for students that showed more promise to continue an education, and for state universities. ... In 1819, he founded the University of Virginia. This introduced a curriculum based on his own views of He believed that students should draw their own conclusions from hearing lectures, reading books, observing nature, and conducting scientific experiments. ... Jefferson's plan offers three years of paid general educatio...

4. Educational Pratices in Colonial America

"As members of the family workforce, children were vocational apprentices of the parent of their own sex: fathers trained sons in agriculture or in the family trade, while mothers taught housewifery to their girls." ... In 1670, Governor Berkeley stated that every man in Virginia, according to his ability, was responsible for the education of his children. ... Those who were better off, sent their children to private schools or endowed schools, which were cheaper then private schools, due to benefactor donations. ... Aside from the fact that women had less accessability to schools and edu...

5. Colonial American Educational Practices

"As members of the family workforce, children were vocational apprentices of the parent of their own sex: fathers trained sons in agriculture or in the family trade, while mothers taught housewifery to their girls." ... In 1670, Governor Berkeley stated that every man in Virginia, according to his ability, was responsible for the education of his children. ... Those who were better off, sent their children to private schools or endowed schools, which were cheaper then private schools, due to benefactor donations. ... Aside from the fact that women had less accessability to schools and edu...

6. The Dream Yet to Be Realized

Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, that laws separating the races in school are unconstitutional. ... Prince Edward County, Virginia School System, 1964 v/s The court declared that there had been "entirely too much deliberation and not enough speed" in implementing its 1954 decision, and held the closing of Prince Edward County schools while other schools in the state remained open to be an infringement of the equal rights of blacks. ... County School Board of New Kent County, Virginia, 1968 v/s The court found a "freedom of choice" plan to be inadequate because it failed to achieve ...

7. Education In The US

Educational institutions exist at all learning levels, from nursery schools for the very young to higher education for older youths and adults of all ages. ... Because Americans have historically insisted that their schools work toward these sometimes-conflicting goals, education has often been the focus of social conflict. While schools are expected to achieve many social objectives, education in America is neither centrally administered nor supported directly by the federal government, unlike education in other industrialized countries. ... History of Education in America Until the 1830...

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