Growth, Development, and Sexual Health

Grade 9 - 12

Overview

High school students, particularly in the early years, continue to experience many developmental changes. Students at this age are typically enjoying increased social independence that may include dating or being in an exclusive relationship. Students are forming bonds with their peers that tend to be more intensive and rewarding. Intellectually, students in upper grades may be nearing adulthood yet may still exhibit impulsive or risky behavior, limited planning skills, and a lack of understanding of how their actions can lead to long-term consequences (USDHHS 2017a). Teaching sexual health education can be interesting for many teachers, but may also be a subject of trepidation. Schools and districts should ensure their educators have the training, resources, and support to teach these subjects effectively—and that the school environment is welcoming, inclusive, and safe for all students (Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States [SIECUS] n.d., USDHHS Office of Adolescent Health 2017).

California Healthy Youth Act

Enacted January 1, 2016, the California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA) law integrates the instruction of comprehensive sexual health education and HIV prevention education. The bill renamed the California Comprehensive Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention Education Act to the California Healthy Youth Act. It requires school districts to ensure that all pupils in grades seven to twelve, inclusive, receive comprehensive sexual health education and HIV prevention education. 

The California Healthy Youth Act has five primary purposes: 

• To provide pupils with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect their sexual and reproductive health from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and from unintended pregnancy; 
• To provide pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to develop healthy attitudes concerning adolescent growth and development, body image, gender, sexual orientation, relationships, marriage, and family; 
• To promote understanding of sexuality as a normal part of human development; 
• To ensure pupils receive integrated, comprehensive, accurate, and unbiased sexual health and HIV prevention instruction and provide educators with clear tools and guidance to accomplish that end; 
• To provide pupils with the knowledge and skills necessary to have healthy, positive, and safe relationships and behaviors 

The law also requires that all information presented be objective and medically accurate, which is defined as being verified or supported by research conducted in compliance with scientific methods and published peer-reviewed journals, where appropriate, and recognized as accurate and objective by professional organizations and agencies with expertise in the relevant field such as the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Public Health Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (Education Code 51931(f)).

For more information: California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA) www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/se/ 

Information and Resources

Curriculum and Lessons

Documentaries

Grade 9 - 12

Partnerships