Parent Toolkit

Step 2: Assess the Sex Education in Your Schools or District

REQUEST INFORMATION ON YOUR SCHOOL’S SEX EDUCATION MATERIAL

As a parent, you have the right to review all materials relating to sex education. Simply ask to view the materials. Materials to request include:

The school board policy and/or administrative regulations regarding sexual health education, HIV/AIDS prevention education, family life education, health education, or whatever other term the district uses to mean sex education. Sometimes districts have different policies for HIV/AIDS prevention education and sex education: get both.

Instructional materials, including curricula or textbooks, supplementary videos, and worksheets. These can be viewed at the district office. Each district should have a list of board-approved materials: get a copy.

A list of any outside agencies that provide classroom instruction or assemblies.

See our helpful hints on how to get these materials.

TALK TO PEOPLE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Talk with others in your community about the kind of sex education students are receiving. What have they heard from their kids? Chances are if you are concerned, others may be also. Don’t worry, 89% of California parents support comprehensive sex ed!

DOES YOUR SCHOOL’S CURRICULUM MEASURE UP?

We have provided three ways for you to evaluate your district’s compliance. For a broad look, use our one-page Curriculum Evaluation. For a more detailed analysis see our Compliance Checklist. If you are concerned about presenters, use the California Department of education’s Speaker Checklist. Does your school's curriculum have one of these typical problems? For a real world curriculum evaluation, check out our analysis of the Glencoe Health and Wellness textbook.

RECORD STORIES FROM STUDENTS

Stories from students about the sex education they receive can help you determine if your district is following state law. What information do the students remember getting? Were their teachers comfortable talking about this subject or did the instruction seem to be influenced by their own opinions? How did the classes address abstinence, birth control and condoms? Share your stories with us!