Date of Publication

2021

Project Team

Lindsay McQueen

Abstract

Problem Statement: Most middle school sexual education does not include parents or community members. Evidence shows family and community attitudes towards sex and sexuality are significant factors in adolescent risky sexual and health practices.

Background: Comprehensive sex education (CSE) reduces risky sexual practices and negative health outcomes. National and local organizations have identified CSE as a public health goal. CSE works best when culturally relevant and the community is involved.

Methods: Interviews with the health educator identified community needs. Resources were created in line with the current curriculum focusing on sex education, its importance, and how to talk about it. After feedback and revisions, the health educator sent these resources to student’s family and caregivers. The health educator was interviewed, and student pre- and post-curriculum surveys will be conducted.

Results: In total, 15 resources were created. The resources created went through five review and edit cycles with middle school staff and volunteer parents. The average Flesch Kincaid Grade Level of resources was 6.34. Middle school staff feedback highlighted accessibility and usefulness. Student survey results will be available in June 2021 due to curriculum changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discussion: This project met the aims to create satisfactory, accessible, and appropriate resources for a middle school sexual health curriculum as evidenced by feedback from the health educator, and a low Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level. Costs of this project were minimal, and future cost savings are likely. Future avenues include having students edit resources themselves and using other teaching modalities to engage the community.

Document Type

Project

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