SIECUS’ policy team brings to bear 55 years of research-based expertise on comprehensive sex education to ensure that public policies reflect best practices and current research in support of our nation’s young people. Our agenda is simple: SIECUS advances comprehensive sexuality education as a means of building a foundation for a long-term culture shift that will positively impact all levels of society, particularly issues of gender equity, sexuality, sexual and reproductive health, consent, personal safety, and autonomy. Through technical assistance to states, SIECUS’ staff support states in educating advocates and policymakers about providing rights-based sexuality information and education at the federal, state, and local levels and leading, strengthening, and developing partnerships with other organizations, coalitions, and initiatives to advance policies that promote positive sexual and reproductive health outcomes across the lifespan. Technical assistance is focused on meeting a state’s immediate needs in a timely way.
Training Hub
The Sex Education Collaborative Training Hub lists trainings for sex educators, facilitators, and other professionals on best practices for sharing important information with clients and the public. From teaching anatomy inclusively to effectively addressing bias in the classroom to addressing racial justice and equity in sex education, the Training Hub includes trainings, technical assistance, and policy support from state, regional, and national leaders in the field of sex education.
Please note: The Training Hub includes both in-person and online professional trainings. If you see a training you are interested in and it isn’t listed as virtual, please reach out directly to any of our members to find out what's possible!
Trainings Offered by State-Based and National Organizations
Displaying results 96 - 100 of 127Understanding the Adolescent Brain
During this session, participants will learn about neuro-biological findings from adolescent brain research as they apply to cognitive and behavioral changes, such as risk taking, relationship building and social development. The facilitators will describe findings in emerging fields informed by neuroscience, such as the effects of sleep, technology and stress on the developing brain. Based on the findings outlined, participants will explore some unique teaching and learning strategies for reaching adolescents, all linked to cognitive engagement, impulse control, and decision making. They will identify a set of adult behaviors and attitudes that might best engage, influence, and motivate teens, and are strongly encouraged to make a shift in how they think about and approach the adolescent learner.
Objectives of this course:
- Describe the unique developmental features of the adolescent brain and the implications for adolescent cognition and behavior.
- Describe current research on factors that influence the developing adolescent brain, including sleep, substances, stress, and technology.
- Identify strategies that draw upon brain research to engage the adolescent learner in avoiding risk behaviors.
- Implement a personal plan of action for refining their skills in effectively engaging adolescent learners.
Visit ETR's Training & TA Form to submit your request and receive cost information.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate three student-centered instructional approaches that support a variety of learning styles. (S)
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Describe three effective strategies for practicing skills with students.
- 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)
- Indicator 2 (K-12): List three physical, three social, and three emotional changes that occur during puberty.
SIECUS is well poised to provide policy support as we are the only organization whose sole mission is to advance sex education policy at the federal, state, and local levels. For the past 55 years, SIECUS has advocated for the rights of all people to comprehensive sexuality education, and the full spectrum of sexual and reproductive health services. SIECUS is more committed than ever to the fight for the equitable provision of comprehensive sexuality information to vulnerable and marginalized populations especially people of color and LGBTQI identifying youth—and for the elimination of all barriers to access to quality reproductive health services, for reproductive justice to be actualized.
SIECUS equips state and local leaders with the knowledge they need to be confident and powerful advocates. Our staff conduct workshops and trainings around the country and provide one-on-one technical assistance by phone and email. Our policy support helps state and local leaders become stronger advocates for their missions and empowers them to addresses the root cause of key reproductive justice and sexual rights issues, moving us toward a society where issues like gender equity, sexual and reproductive health, racial justice, LGBTQ inclusion, consent, personal safety, and autonomy are well—established as part of our normal reality. Our website is a place where advocates can search our robust collection of toolkits, fact sheets, reports, and our signature report, the SIECUS State Profiles, as well as connect with a team member for one-on-one technical assistance.
What About the Boys?: Teaching About Sexuality Accurately and Effectively with Teen Boys
The vast majority of sexuality education curricula and programs are created with the needs of girls in mind. Even if we don't believe it ourselves, the saying “boys will be boys” pervades sexuality education programming. Girls are set up as the sexual gatekeepers and decision-makers. Boys are either set up to be feared or widely ignored. This training will provide the most up-to-date information available about how boys learn, how co-ed sexuality education programming has failed boys, and what educators can do to be sure to reach all students and workshop participants. This workshop can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your group, school or agency. All content is aligned with the National Sexuality Education Standards, the National Teacher Preparation Standards for Sexuality Education, and the Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education.
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate three techniques to create an inclusive and affirming learning environment. (S)
- 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)
Navigating the complexities of sexual health education policies can be challenging, but with EyesOpenIowa by your side, you don’t have to do it alone. Our experienced team is here to help you develop, refine, and implement policies that align with best practices, legal requirements, and the unique needs of your community.
Customized Policy Development We work with you to create tailored policies that reflect your organization’s values and objectives. Whether you’re establishing new guidelines or updating existing ones, we ensure your policies are comprehensive, inclusive, and compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.
Alignment with Legal and Educational Standards Our experts help you navigate state and federal mandates, ensuring your policies meet all legal requirements while supporting effective sexual health education. We provide clear, actionable guidance to keep your organization in full compliance.
Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Policies We specialize in crafting policies that promote inclusivity and cultural responsiveness. Our team ensures your policies address the needs of all students, including those from diverse backgrounds and LGBTQ+ communities, fostering an environment of respect and equity.
Ongoing Support and Consultation Policy development is an ongoing process, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our team offers continuous consultation and review services, helping you adapt to new challenges and opportunities as they arise.
Partner with EyesOpenIowa to create policies that not only meet legal standards but also empower your educators and students. Our customized, expert-driven approach ensures your policies are effective, inclusive, and sustainable.
Additional Trainings offered by out-of-state organizations
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Sexuality Education Tools for the IDD Community
All people deserve access to medically accurate and developmentally appropriate information related to their sexuality and sexual health. Yet often, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are not included in sex education.
- 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)
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe the importance of teachers’ maintaining professional boundaries when teaching sex education.
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Demonstrate how to reduce the impact of educators’ passive and/or active personal disclosure on the educational environment. (S)
- 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.
- 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.
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Describe three effective strategies for practicing skills with students.
- 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)
- Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe three distinguishing characteristics between healthy and unhealthy relationships, involving family, friends, and/or romantic partners.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Explain three ways that healthy relationships can positively impact personal well-being.
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Describe three strategies for teaching students communication skills.
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Describe three ways to help students set and respect personal boundaries in relationships.
- 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)
- 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 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)