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Districts Required to Set Sex Education Curriculum

Posted: 9:59 AM Mar 26, 2012
Reporter: Andrea Williams

Districts Required to Set Sex Education Curriculum

A deadline looms, June 30, for Mississippi school districts to choose a sex education curriculum.

By that time, districts will have decided how to incorporate 'abstinence only' or 'abstinence-plus' classes into next year's curriculum.

Currently, abstinence-plus is being offered to middle school students in Lauderdale County Schools.

Meridian Public Schools curriculum is labeled abstinence only.

"For the past 8 to 10 years, we have taught abstinence only," said district nurse, Ann Compton. "It's taught in the 7th grade and we go through the science classes so that everyone gets it. The school nurses have taught it in the past, although teachers could teach it also."

Administrators say it offers different scenarios for boys and girls, while providing facts and options on how to make good, sound decisions.

Aside from that, MPSD students in the fifth grade are taught the basics about puberty and there's also some curriculum addressing the issue on the high school level.

"Much of what's required in the legislation is already there in the Health curriculum," said Robin Miles, Meridian assistant superintendent for curriculum. "All students are required to take Health in order to graduate. So, they're getting some of that there; but I think this will give us across the state, a more direct effort for districts and their schools."

Both the astinence-plus and abstinence only curricula that are being considered for next year are optional. With parental consent, they are taught to middle school students.

"Right now, we have a curriculum in place that we are using," said Ryan Powell, Lauderdale County curriculum director. "We've sent it to the Mississippi Department of Education for approval, and upon approval, we will take it to our local school board for approval."

Next month, both districts are expected to approve the curriculum that will be used next year.