Human Sexuality & Responsibility Curriculum at ÁùºÏ±¦µä ISD
Human Sexuality instruction develops and strengthens the ability of students to make conscious, healthy, and respectful choices regarding dating/romantic relationships, personal safety, anatomy and physiology, puberty and adolescent development, pregnancy and reproduction, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. The district’s Human Sexuality and Responsibility (HSR) education program has been established to provide information and skill development for students in kindergarten through grade 12 so that they may reach their highest potential for physical, emotional, mental and social health.
The HSR curriculum content will be delivered in a developmentally and age-appropriate manner and will include the most current and scientifically accurate information. The content of the curriculum is based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Health Education, with supplemental content established by the that have been approved by the Board.
Content shall include information regarding healthy and unhealthy dating/romantic relationships, online and personal safety (including the prevention of child abuse, family and dating violence and sex trafficking), anatomy and physiology, puberty and adolescent development, pregnancy and reproduction, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. All content shall be inclusive of all students, regardless of gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual experience, pregnancy, parenting status, or family structure. ()
HSR lessons are taught to those students in grades K-12 whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have provided written permission by way of the opt-in or permission letter. This letter is sent home by the student’s campus leadership or classroom teacher three weeks prior to the beginning of the HSR unit. Implementation is slated to take place annually in November/December, with students enrolled in the spring semester of high school health receiving it in April/May.
To ensure that students receive quality HSR instruction, all teachers will receive training on the skills needed for and best practices related to navigating complex concepts and questions. Prior to HSR program implementation, the campus principal shall conduct at least one orientation session scheduled at a convenient time for parents and guardians. Families shall be provided reasonable written notice of the time and location of the orientation session. The purpose of the session is to detail the process of implementation of the HSR program and the permission process.
For questions about curriculum content, please contact the Health Education Curriculum Specialist. For questions about curriculum implementation, please contact your campus principal.
HSR Updates (23-24):
HSR lessons will once again be implemented in K-8 science and high school health classes this school year!
HSR permission letters will be sent out at least 2 weeks prior to the lessons beginning. Parents/guardians will have the option to opt-in to all lessons, opt-in to individual lessons, or opt-out of all lessons. We ask that all permission letters be returned regardless of the selected option.
Principals will also be hosting an HSR orientation meeting for families in order to provide detailed information about curriculum implementation for their respective campuses. Timelines for implementation vary by grade and campus so please check with your child’s teacher or campus principal for exact dates.
All HSR lessons, including scope and sequence and teaching materials, can be found under the K-HS Lessons page.