WASHINGTON — Elementary-school students should use the proper names for body parts and, by the end of fifth grade, know that sexual orientation is “the romantic attraction of an individual to someone of the same gender or a different gender,” according to new sexual-education guidelines released Monday by a coalition of health and education groups.
The nonbinding recommendations to states and school districts seek to encourage age-appropriate discussions about sex, bullying and healthy relationships, starting with a foundation before second grade.
Experts say schools across America are inconsistent in how they address such sensitive topics.
Cora Collette Breuner, a pediatrics professor at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital, praised the approach of encouraging discussions at an early age.
“Trying to cover this stuff when kids have already formulated their own opinions and biases — by the time they’re in middle and high school — it’s too late,” Breuner said.
Valerie Huber, executive director of the National Education Abstinence Association, does not agree with the standards’ topics and goals.
“This should be a program about health, rather than agendas that have nothing to do with optimal sexual-health decision- making,” she said. “Controversial topics are best reserved for conversations between parent and child, not in the classroom.”
Other groups involved with the guidelines include the American Association of Health Education, the American School Health Association and the Future of Sex Education Initiative.
New guidelines
The recommendations on sexual education offered to states and school districts by a health coalition include:
• By the end of second grade, students should be able to use proper names for body parts; explain that all living things reproduce; identify different kinds of family structures; explain that all people have the right to not be touched; and explain why bullying and teasing are wrong.
• By the end of fifth grade, students should be able to describe male and female reproductive systems; understand changes during puberty; define sexual orientation; define HIV and ways to prevent it.
• By the end of eighth grade, students should be able to differentiate among gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation; describe the signs of pregnancy; explain why a person who has been raped or sexually assaulted is not at fault.
The Associated Press
