Training
Trauma-Informed Sexual Health Education
We never know what traumas someone has experienced or what could trigger a trauma response for someone. As more and more research has come to show that many young people are experiencing high levels of trauma, it's essential that we work to create safer spaces for young people in schools. This includes ensuring that sex education will not become a re-traumatizing experience for survivors.This training will cover the basics of trauma, small “t” vs. big “T” trauma, and how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can play a part in sex education. We will cover six key principles of trauma-informed sex education and work on strategies to implement in the classroom. This training will have interactive small and large group discussions and provide opportunities for participants to work through scenarios to practice principles they learned in the session.
In this training, participants will:
- Define trauma.
- Review relevant and current data on trauma.
- Examine how trauma relates to sex education.
- Learn key principles for trauma-informed sex education.
- Discuss concrete strategies of a trauma-informed approach in the classroom.
- Practice applying a trauma-informed approach to sex education curriculum analysis and tailoring.
- Share age-appropriate strategies for infusing consent into sex education.
- Determine other preparations and next steps.
In person Online
Age Group(s) - Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12
Topic(s) - Consent and interpersonal and sexual violence, Creating an inclusive and affirming learning environment, Disclosure, Effective teaching strategies, Healthy relationships, LGBQ+ identities, Sex education in schools, Values
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
Consent, Interpersonal and Sexual Violence Indicators - Indicator 1 (K-12): Define consent.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Explain why consent is a fundamental right for people of all ages.
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Differentiate between situations in which sexual consent is and is not present.
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Identify three youth-friendly resources to assist survivors of sexual assault, abuse, incest, or domestic violence.
- Indicator 6 (K-12): Explain bodily autonomy and how it relates to consent and sexual abuse prevention.
- Indicator 7 (K-12): Explain the impact of childhood trauma on the decision-making and sexual health of students.
- Indicator 9 (K-12): Describe three strategies to help students identify a trusted adult.
Creating and inclusive and affirming learning environment Indicators - Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (S)
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies for creating culturally responsive classrooms. (S)
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Describe three elements of a trauma-informed approach to sex education.
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies of a trauma-informed approach to sex education (e.g. giving trigger warnings before content on sexual assault and allowing students the right to pass as appropriate, etc.). (S)
Disclosure Indicators - Indicator 4 (K-12): Explain the roles and responsibilities of a mandated reporter.
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Explain the state- and district-mandated reporting requirements and procedures.
Effective Teaching Strategies Indicators - Indicator 3 (K-12): Explain the differences between positive vs. shaming approaches to teaching sex education.
- Indicator 7 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to analyze and tailor lesson plans to match the age, developmental stages, cultural backgrounds, and other identities of students. (S)
Healthy Relationships Indicators - Indicator 4 (K-12): Describe three strategies for incorporating the positive and negative impacts of communicating through technology into lessons on healthy relationships.
LGBQ+ Identities Indicators - Indicator 4 (K-12): Demonstrate the use of inclusive and affirming language. (S)
- Indicator 6 (K-12): Explain three ways that LGBQ+ youth are at disproportionate risk for health disparities.
- Indicator 8 (K-12): Explain why it is essential to include positive portrayals of LGBQ+ people in lessons.
Sex Education In Schools Indicators - Indicator 2 (K-12): Describe state and/or district laws, policies, and standards that relate to sex education where one teaches.
Values Indicators - Indicator 2 (K-12): Describe how verbal and nonverbal expression of personal values, and comfort with topics related to sex education, could impact one’s teaching
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Explain the importance of educators refraining from sharing their personal values when implementing sex education.
Training
Connections Matter
Connections Matter is a training designed to engage community members in building caring connections to:
- Improve resiliency,
- Prevent childhood trauma, and
- Understand how our interactions with others can support those who have experienced trauma.
In person Online
Cost - Please contact alexandra@gcapp.org for details
Age Group(s) - Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12
Topic(s) - Creating an inclusive and affirming learning environment, Effective teaching strategies
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
Creating and inclusive and affirming learning environment Indicators - Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (S)
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Describe three elements of a trauma-informed approach to sex education.
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies of a trauma-informed approach to sex education (e.g. giving trigger warnings before content on sexual assault and allowing students the right to pass as appropriate, etc.). (S)
Effective Teaching Strategies Indicators - Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to build rapport with students. (S)
- Indicator 6 (K-12): Describe three strategies for actively involving parents, caregivers, and other trusted adults in a sex education program.
Training
Reproductive Resources for Students
Youth-friendly reproductive resources are important to ensure young people will seek the help and information they need. We will discuss the components of youth-friendly resources, as well as highlight websites, social media pages, phone numbers, local clinics, and apps, including GCAPP’s TMI-Georgia. TMI-Georgia was created by young people for young people to have access in meeting their sexual and reproductive health needs.
In person Online
Cost - Please contact alexandra@gcapp.org for details
Age Group(s) - Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12
Topic(s) - Contraception, pregnancy, and reproduction, Healthy relationships, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases/infections, Transgender and gender expansive identities
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
Contraception, Pregnancy, and Reproduction Indicators - Indicator 6 (6-12): Identify three federal and/or state laws that impact young peoples’ access to effective reproductive and sexual health care (e.g. age of consent for services, confidential access to health care services, and access to condoms)
HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases/infections Indicators - Indicator 7 (6-12): Identify three medically accurate and youth-friendly resources for STD/STI and HIV prevention, testing, and treatment
Transgender and Gender Expansive Identities Indicator - Indicator 7 (K-12): Identify three credible, medically accurate, youth-friendly resources that can provide information or support related to transgender and gender expansive people.
Training
Challenging Rape Culture
In this interactive training, participants will gain a better understanding of the intersection of sexual violence and incidence and prevalence of STIs/HIV while identifying (and challenging) their own values and beliefs around rape culture. The training will include lecture, facilitated discussion, and engaging hands-on activities for various professionals that work with youth.
In this training, participants will:
- Gain an understanding of the difference between rape culture and consent culture.
- Review relevant and current data on sexual violence and STIs.
- Examine the connection between sexual violence and STIs.
- Reframe curriculum and other program content to challenge rape culture and promote consent culture.
In person Online
Age Group(s) - Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12
Topic(s) - Consent and interpersonal and sexual violence, Creating an inclusive and affirming learning environment, Disclosure, Effective teaching strategies, Healthy relationships, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases/infections, Sex education in schools
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
Consent, Interpersonal and Sexual Violence Indicators - Indicator 1 (K-12): Define consent.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Explain why consent is a fundamental right for people of all ages.
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Differentiate between situations in which sexual consent is and is not present.
- Indicator 6 (K-12): Explain bodily autonomy and how it relates to consent and sexual abuse prevention.
Creating and inclusive and affirming learning environment Indicators - Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (S)
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies of a trauma-informed approach to sex education (e.g. giving trigger warnings before content on sexual assault and allowing students the right to pass as appropriate, etc.). (S)
Disclosure Indicators - Indicator 2 (K-12): List three factors to consider regarding personal disclosure when teaching sex education
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Explain the roles and responsibilities of a mandated reporter.
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Explain the state- and district-mandated reporting requirements and procedures.
Effective Teaching Strategies Indicators - Indicator 3 (K-12): Explain the differences between positive vs. shaming approaches to teaching sex education.
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Describe three effective strategies for practicing skills with students.
- Indicator 6 (K-12): Describe three strategies for actively involving parents, caregivers, and other trusted adults in a sex education program.
- Indicator 7 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to analyze and tailor lesson plans to match the age, developmental stages, cultural backgrounds, and other identities of students. (S)
Healthy Relationships Indicators - Indicator 5 (K-12): Describe three ways to help students set and respect personal boundaries in relationships.
HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases/infections Indicators - Indicator 4 (6-12): Explain three facilitators and three barriers to STD/STI testing and treatment.
Sex Education In Schools Indicators - Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe three health (e.g. physical, social and/or emotional) and/or academic benefits of sex education for young people
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Describe state and/or district laws, policies, and standards that relate to sex education where one teaches.
Training
Engaging Commercially Sexually Exploited Youth in Conversations About Sexual Health
My Life My Choice (MLMC) and Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) have merged their respective expertise in commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) and sexuality education to create an evidence, trauma, and survivor-informed training designed to help a wide range of youth service providers use intentional and inclusive language to begin conversations with young people about sex and sexuality that reflects the realities of their lives. Application link here.
Online
Age Group(s) - Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12
Topic(s) - Consent and interpersonal and sexual violence, Contraception, pregnancy, and reproduction, Creating an inclusive and affirming learning environment, Disclosure, Effective teaching strategies, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases/infections, Responding to challenging questions, Values
State(s) - Alabama,
Alaska,
Arizona,
Arkansas,
California,
Colorado,
Connecticut,
Delaware,
Florida,
Georgia,
Hawaii,
Idaho,
Illinois,
Indiana,
Iowa,
Kansas,
Kentucky,
Louisiana,
Maine,
Maryland,
Massachusetts,
Michigan,
Minnesota,
Mississippi,
Missouri,
Montana,
Nebraska,
Nevada,
New Hampshire,
New Jersey,
New Mexico,
New York,
North Carolina,
North Dakota,
Ohio,
Oklahoma,
Oregon,
Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island,
South Carolina,
South Dakota,
Tennessee,
Texas,
Utah,
Vermont,
Virginia,
Washington,
West Virginia,
Wisconsin,
Wyoming
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
Consent, Interpersonal and Sexual Violence Indicators - Indicator 1 (K-12): Define consent.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Explain why consent is a fundamental right for people of all ages.
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Differentiate between situations in which sexual consent is and is not present.
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Identify three youth-friendly resources to assist survivors of sexual assault, abuse, incest, or domestic violence.
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Explain sex trafficking and the state laws related to it.
- Indicator 6 (K-12): Explain bodily autonomy and how it relates to consent and sexual abuse prevention.
- Indicator 7 (K-12): Explain the impact of childhood trauma on the decision-making and sexual health of students.
Contraception, Pregnancy, and Reproduction Indicators - Indicator 3 (6-12): Describe the differences in mechanisms of action and access between emergency contraception and the abortion pill.
Creating and inclusive and affirming learning environment Indicators - Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (S)
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Describe three elements of a trauma-informed approach to sex education.
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies of a trauma-informed approach to sex education (e.g. giving trigger warnings before content on sexual assault and allowing students the right to pass as appropriate, etc.). (S)
Disclosure Indicators - Indicator 4 (K-12): Explain the roles and responsibilities of a mandated reporter.
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Explain the state- and district-mandated reporting requirements and procedures.
Effective Teaching Strategies Indicators - Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to build rapport with students. (S)
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate three student-centered instructional approaches that support a variety of learning styles. (S)
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Explain the differences between positive vs. shaming approaches to teaching sex education.
HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases/infections Indicators - Indicator 1 (6-12): Describe HIV and three common STDs/STIs, and how each can and cannot be transmitted.
- Indicator 2 (6-12): Explain that many STD/STIs do not cause symptoms and the only way to know if you have one is to be tested.
- Indicator 3 (6-12): Explain the benefits of getting tested and treated for HIV and other STDs/STIs.
- Indicator 4 (6-12): Explain three facilitators and three barriers to STD/STI testing and treatment.
- Indicator 7 (6-12): Identify three medically accurate and youth-friendly resources for STD/STI and HIV prevention, testing, and treatment
Responding to Challenging Questions Indicators - Indicator 1 (K-12): Explain three reasons why it is important to respond to every question students ask when teaching sex education.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to effectively respond to three different types of challenging questions. (S)
Values Indicators - Indicator 1 (K-12): Explain the differences between personal and universal values relating to sexuality.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Describe how verbal and nonverbal expression of personal values, and comfort with topics related to sex education, could impact one’s teaching
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Explain the importance of educators refraining from sharing their personal values when implementing sex education.
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to respond effectively to students’ values-based comments and questions. (S)