Sex education in schools

[rbgarr]

Our children's school (private K-12) went through this debate a few years ago and decided to conduct health education classes which discussed reproduction, sexual desire, feelings and pressures, and health consequences at different grade levels. Parents had the option of choosing whether or not their children were to attend the classes. I wished I'd had classes like that when I was young, so I approved of it.

Comments?

[Scott Rosen]

I tried to get hands-on sex education when I was in high school, but I couldn't find any teachers . . .

[Bruce G]

Do you have a copy of the curriculum that they are going to follow? The reason I ask is that 'some' instructors believe that children should be exposed to more at an earlier age, than many people would agree.

[N. Scheuer]

Really surprised you would come to a "Woodenboat Forum" for advice concerning Biology!!!

Aren't there OTHER, more AUTHORITATIVE URL's on this World Wide Web?

Moby Nick

[rbgarr]

Who's asking for 'advice concerning Biology'? :confused: There have been plenty of topics on religion and politics here. Is this topic out of bounds?

I read the curriculum and it was put together well IMO. Others would disagree and that's why they could opt out of having their children attend.

[ 03-03-2004, 11:15 PM: Message edited by: rbgarr ]

[JeffH]

I had it in 6th grade. It was a section in biology class, and basically unavoidable. The only part of it that was optional was the screening of the Nova film on conception and child birth, and even then it was just the giving birth part that was the option. We all watched it up to that point, the tape was stopped while those kids whose parents objected left the room (all two of them... I grew up in a college town), and then continued. Material was sent home for further discussion with parents. Personally, I'm all for it.

That Nova program was, and still is, quite a remarkable feat of filmmaking. Perhaps the fact both my parents have advanced biology degrees (dad PhD, mom two masters) had something to do with why nothing in it phased me too much at the time...

Jeff

[rbgarr]

Somehow I missed Biology in high school. I think there was a schedule conflict or something... took Chemistry instead.

[Meerkat]

Kids who are ignorant of reproductive biology reminds me of that old joke about what do you call a woman that practices the rythm method: mother. ;)

[Beowolf]

I'm not sure on all the details, but the state of Michigan is looking to pass a bill that would stop sex education in high schools as it is normally taught.

Jeff

[Ron Williamson]

I know a wood turner who had school board contracts to make woodies for condom installation practice.
I'm all for sex ed.,especially when it is known that lots of busy parents "forget" their duties.
When my neice(at 13)got her first period,she had NO IDEA what to do.(I only know because we were taking care of those kids for the weekend).
R

[Mrleft8]

When I was in middle school, the gym teacher "taught" sex ed. Not a very good idea it turns out. He wasn't the brightest bulb in the faculty chandelier. He called erections "eruptions", and claimed that a woman's breast size was an indication of her "child bearing ability"... :rolleyes:

[Shang]

...Everything I needed to know I learned from women...

...Well, maybe not the stuff about gaping spark plugs...