“Guidelines for Sexual Health Information and Disease Prevention” was created by the Washington State Department of Health and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for the following purposes:

1)       To describe effective sex education and its outcomes;

1)      To provide a tool for educators, policy-makers and others to evaluate existing or new programs, curricula or policies;

2)      To enhance and strengthen sex education programs;

3)      To educate schools and school districts, community organizations, communities of faith, the public, the media, policymakers and others involved in educating youth.

The Guidelines further state that the goal of sex education is:

“Achieving healthy sexuality is a developmental process from birth to senior adulthood; so is learning about sexuality. In the early years, the foundation for mature adult sexuality is laid with such building blocks as healthy self-esteem, positive body image, good self-care, effective communications, respect for others, caring for family and friends, and a responsibility to community. As an individual matures, other essential elements are added such as understanding body changes, sexual intimacy and commitment; knowing and using health enhancing measures, such as health exams, abstinence and protection; and recognizing the joys and responsibilities of parenting.

“The goal of sex education is safe and healthy people. These are individuals who:

q       Express love and intimacy in appropriate ways.

q       Avoid exploitative or manipulative relationships.

q       Recognize their own values and show respect for people with different values.

q       Take responsibility for and understand the consequences of their own behavior.

q       Communicate effectively with family, friends and partners.

q       Talk with a partner about sexual activity before it occurs, including sexual limits (their own and their partner’s), contraceptive and condom use, and meaning in the relationship.

q       Plan effectively for reproductive health and disease prevention regardless of gender.

q       Seek more information about their health as needed.”

The guidelines document is available at
http://www.k12.wa.us/CurriculumInstruct/healthfitness/pubdocs/SexEdGuidelines011005.doc
(MSWord) or
http://www.k12.wa.us/CurriculumInstruct/healthfitness/pubdocs/pdf/SexEdGuidelines011005.pdf.

Editor’s Note:   It is refreshing to see that a bipartisan effort is possible that recognizes the realities of human sexuality and the importance of basing policy on good scientific evidence rather than succumb to the recent trend of holding this aspect of human development and relations hostage to political or cultural agendas.  Please share this widely.