AAPS SHEAC Curriculum Review Criteria

The following criteria are used by the Ann Arbor Public Schools Sexual Health Education Advisory Committee (AAPS SHEAC) to identify teaching resources (e.g., presentations, videos, written materials, etc) that can contribute to the teaching of sexual health education in a manner that is consistent with the educational philosophy of the Ann Arbor Public Schools, current best practices in sexual health education, and Michigan state laws on sexual health education.  Our curriculum is designed to emphasize the benefits of abstinence, while providing accurate, appropriate information about risk reduction strategies in a manner that is accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all students.  The committee recognizes that parents/guardians are the primary sexual health educators of their children, particularly with regard to the teaching of values and religious beliefs associated with sexual activity.

Accuracy

1.     Provides medically accurate information
2.     Provides scientifically accurate information.
3.     Information is current.

Focus

4.     Teaches information and skills, not values.
5.     Is respectful of, but not derived from, religious teachings.

Appropriateness

6.     Uses teaching methods and materials that are appropriate to the age of the target audience.
7.     Uses teaching methods and materials that are appropriate to the developmental abilities of the target audience.

Tone

8.     Approaches sexuality in a manner that is both respectful and engaging of the target audience (e.g., uses an appropriate level of seriousness/humor, neither portraying sexuality too lightly nor in a frightening fear-based manner).
9.     Provides information about the psychological and physical risks of sexual activity without presenting human sexuality in an overall negative light.

Inclusiveness

10.  Is respectful of and applies to all students and does not engender shame/pass judgment/ alienate regardless of whether a student is abstinent, sexually active, or previously sexually active and currently abstaining.
11.  Is respectful of and applies to all students and does not engender shame/pass judgment/ alienate regardless of a student's sexual orientation or gender identity.
12.  Is consistent with the Ann Arbor Public Schools Non-Discrimination policy which states that "no person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any educational program or activity available in any school on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, creed, political belief, age, national origin, linguistic and language differences, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, height, weight, marital or familial status, or disability" and extends this policy to include gender identification.  

Quality

13.  Is of high quality. Depending on the type of resource the relevant quality criteria will vary.  Some examples of quality include: Materials should incorporate sound theories of behavior change and utilize instructional methods that foster functional knowledge and skill development. Materials should be appealing and engaging (e.g., up-to-date, quality graphics).  Messages should be clear and consistent. 

 

 

May 12, 2008