Friday, May. 16, 2008

KISD to consider comprehensive sex-ed program

By SANDRA ENGELLAND

Keller ISD seventh-graders will have a comprehensive abstinence-based sex education program beginning next year, if trustees approve the proposal at the May 29 board meeting.

To date, the district has had age-appropriate classroom education on HIV and AIDS and has had brief units on human reproduction in middle school science and high school health classes, but no coordinated approach to sex education.

"It’s been such a tough subject, we’ve been hesitant to put it in," said trustee Cindy Lotton.

Scott Kessel, director of guidance and counseling, said the program would educate students about the physical, emotional, mental and social consequences of sex before marriage.

Texas law requires that sex education in public schools be abstinence-based, as do guidelines for federal grants.

Just last month, federal funding for abstinence-only sex education was debated in a congressional committee. Critics say the message could increase the number of sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancies because of the lack of information on contraceptives.

Proponents point to studies that show abstinence-only education participants are about half as likely to engage in sexual activity during their teen years as those who did not participate in an abstinence-based program.

Lotton, who is a guidance counselor in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford district, said that she was excited about the proposed program and its potential to decrease teen sexual activity. "It really is something serious. I think that’s why the program has so much impact. I’m thrilled that we’re using it because I’ve seen it be very effective for kids."

Lotton said she was familiar with the Game Plan Abstinence Program and its provider, Just Say YES. The organization can also provide resources for parents and information to teens on avoiding other risky behaviors such as drug and alcohol use and eating disorders.

Kessel said that the Game Plan curriculum was chosen by the School Health Advisory Council, a group of school nurses, counselors, parents and administrators, after the committee had studied three popular programs.

Game Plan features A.C. Green, former Dallas Maverick and NBA "Ironman" who holds the record for most consecutive games played. His outspoken stance on remaining a virgin until he married at age 38 earned him almost as much attention as his NBA record.

The lessons encourage students to set goals, examine the role of sex in the media, establish boundaries in their lives and choose their friends wisely.

The committee decided to recommend the program for seventh grade because the curriculum is geared towards middle schoolers. Campus Education Improvement Committees for middle and intermediate schools also looked at the program and gave it a very favorable response, Kessel said.

Cindy Parsons, director of health services, said the health committee appreciated the way the curriculum was presented, with individual student workbooks and options for parental involvement.

She said that if the program is approved, the materials will be available at all middle schools for parents to review. Parents may also request that their children not participate in the lessons.

Kessel said that the teacher’s kit with the manual, lessons, DVDs and posters costs $180 per campus and workbooks are $11 each. Just Say YES also provides training for counselors, nurses and interested teachers at an additional cost.

Schools can determine their own schedules for presenting the eight lessons, with counselors teaching the sessions during various classes so missed instructional time in any one course is limited, Kessel said.