Sexuality Education
Sexuality education is the lifelong process of acquiring knowledge and forming attitudes, beliefs, and values related to being male or female. Often called sex education, it includes learning about sexual development across the lifespan, sexual behavior, and sexual and reproductive health; however, it also includes relationships, social behavior, body image, gender roles, intimacy and affection, and sexual messages in society.
Sexuality education may be informal, such as conversations and experiences in the home, discussions with peers, and messages sent by media. Children absorb messages about sexuality beginning at very young ages as they observe and interact with their parents and other family members. Equipping parents to communicate their values and expectations related to sex and set protective boundaries can help parents exert the enormous influence they have.
Formal sexuality education most often takes place in schools, medical settings, and community organizations, such as churches and youth agencies. Dr. Douglas Kirby has summarized extensive research on what makes sex ed and HIV prevention programs effective in Emerging Answers 2007. For a list of the characteristics of effective programs, read page 131. For a list of risk and protective factors for risky sexual behavior, read pages 55-61.
Effective program characteristics and examples are cited in 
"What Works 2009," a 13-page brochure.
To evaluate your existing sex ed program, use the Tool to Assess the Characteristics of Effective Sex and STD/HIV Education Programs (TAC)
Prevention Program Services (PPS) supports families, schools, and community organizations in their efforts to provide sexuality education that equips young people to make choices. Many resources are available to assist schools in selecting and implementing an effective sexuality education program. The Michigan Model for Health provides HIV prevention lessons for grades, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9-12. Michigan Model does not currently provide sexuality education curriculum, but consultation is available to assist in curriculum and resource selection by contacting Wendy Sellers, 517-541-8768.
