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The K-12 lessons and instructional materials below were approved by the AISD Board of Trustees on June 23, 2022. View the archived video.

Kindergarten - Grade 2

Students in primary grades K-2 are full of wonders and questions - about their bodies, about other people’s bodies, and about how the world around them works. The Human Sexuality and Responsibility lessons for this grade band focus on learning the names of body parts and keeping their body safe. Students will learn about listening to their own bodies, listening to each other, personal boundaries, and the importance of talking to their parent(s)/guardian(s) or another trusted adult. Students will also explore the concept of reproduction and a simple explanation of what makes a baby. Every lesson will include a Home Connections Handout for students to bring home that will include discussion questions and resources for more information. 

Grades 3-5

During these intermediate grades, students will learn about their changing bodies. Puberty is the main focus of the lessons in grades 3 through 5. Students learn the correct names for the reproductive system parts and functions, the physical and emotional changes that can occur during the puberty journey, and how to manage or cope with those changes. In addition to anatomy and puberty, students will learn about boundaries and personal safety. At the 5th grade level, students will also learn about healthy dating/romantic relationships, sexual harassment, sexual abuse and assault, and sex trafficking. Every lesson is concluded with a Home Connections Worksheet that students can bring home to complete and discuss with their parent(s)/guardian(s) or another trusted adult. From coloring pages to card sorting activities, videos and more, all elementary lessons are designed to encourage discussion and questions so that students become comfortable with what to expect as their bodies and brains transition from child to adolescent to adult. 

Grades 6-8

Middle school is a time when young people are growing and changing at a rapid pace. The middle school HSR lessons have been designed to reflect these changes. Each grade level has 9 lessons covering topics related to dating/romantic relationships, abuse and exploitation, communication, boundaries, anatomy and adolescent development, the consequences of sexual activity and abstinence, and digital communication and safety. While students are encouraged to ask questions and participate in small and large group discussions during class, they are also encouraged to talk to their parent(s)/guardian(s) or other trusted adults about their own beliefs and values related to human sexuality and reproductive health. 

High School

Because the high school Human Sexuality and Responsibility lessons are part of the health class, these 9 lessons will continue to build on the health skills that students are learning throughout the semester. Students will practice skills like interpersonal communication, analyzing influences, and accessing resources while learning about dating/romantic relationships, reproductive anatomy, abstinence, pregnancy and parenting, sexually transmitted infections, and online safety. While students are encouraged to ask questions and participate in small and large group discussions during class, they are also encouraged to talk to their parent(s)/guardian(s) or other trusted adults about their own beliefs and values related to human sexuality and reproductive health. 

Alternative Lessons

Students who do not opt-in, or who do not return an HSR Permission Letter, will be provided with alternative instruction and “shall not be punished or embarrassed in any manner for non-participation” (EHAALocal).  The alternative instruction includes teacher-led lessons as well as some independent study options. These lessons will take place in a different location from the HSR lessons. Where or how this is done will vary from campus-to-campus.

Teacher Training

All teachers who implement the human sexuality and responsibility lessons in Austin ISD must first be trained on best practices, state and local policies, and district expectations for implementation. For the elementary schools, this training is done using a Training of Trainers (TOT) model. Each elementary campus principal designates two Campus Leaders to attend a training session, led by the Health Education Curriculum Specialist. Those Campus Leaders then return to their campuses with all of the materials needed to train the teachers. For secondary schools, the middle school science and high school health teachers are trained directly by the Health Education Curriculum Specialist. The best practices covered in the training include how to navigate personal values in the classroom and how to respond to challenging questions.