Grades 3-5

Participants will examine how IHAM policies and other related policies support the implementation of comprehensive sex education (CSE). They will explore IHAM best practices, review relevant resources to support policy updates, and have dedicated time to apply what they’ve learned by reviewing their own district’s IHAM policies and developing action plans for revisions and improvements.

Participants will explore strategies to keeping the door open to challenging conversations with the young people in their lives, how to answer questions around sexual health, mental health, substance use etc. and practice time to integrate strategies into their own words and unique context to the youth they support.

Participants will explore strategies to holistically support marginalized youth both inside and outside the classroom through values reflection and community-informed best practices. They will also learn how to stay current with inclusive language and relevant resources for young people and their supporters. Participants will leave with reflective tools, including our Curriculum Inclusivity Audit Tool, to help integrate these skills into their existing programs.

Participants will explore natural sexual health development throughout adolescents, how standards and skills support sexual health development, and strategies for talking to families and trusted adults about how comprehensive sex education information supports adolescents through various ages and stages.

Participants will gain a clear understanding of what trauma is, including how experiences such as systemic oppression, microaggressions, and marginalization can lead to acute trauma. They will learn how trauma may affect students' behavior, participation, and overall experience in sex education. The session will also provide strategies for creating a trauma-informed classroom environment when teaching sexual health, as well as tools to help educators manage their own trauma or triggers and better support the youth they work with.

Participants will learn how to be values-expansive when facilitating sex education. They will explore common types of questions that arise in sexual health classes and gain tools and strategies to respond to challenging questions in affirming and de-stigmatizing ways. The session includes hands-on practice using these tools. Adults will leave with practical resources and increased confidence in addressing sensitive questions while honoring the diverse values students may bring to the classroom.

Participants will develop a shared definition of comprehensive sex education, explore positive health outcomes, Colorado law and policy, and what comprehensive sex education looks like in action throughout Colorado.