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.
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.
How to Choose a Curriculum
There are many options for sex education curricula; it can be overwhelming. Participants will discuss district wants and needs and various curriculum options to decide which curriculum is a good fit.
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) - Sex education in schools
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
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.
CSE 101
What is comprehensive sex education (CSE)? Join us to learn the components of CSE, why it’s important, and how it can benefit your students and your school. We will also discuss the process for getting approval from your school board and how GCAPP staff can support you.
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) - Sex education in schools
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
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.
Coping Skills in the Classroom
Coping skills are strategies we use to manage unpleasant emotions, decrease stress, and establish order in our lives. They can be used in the classroom both by students and teachers. Participants will not only learn practical skills to use in their daily lives but also how to teach these skills to their students.
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 Safer Spaces in the Classroom
Each of us has experienced some type of trauma, whether it is collective trauma- like a natural disaster- or a personal trauma- like sexual abuse. In the classroom, trauma can show up in ways that look like behavior issues and actions that require discipline. Participants will learn small changes that can make a big difference in the classroom for students who have experienced trauma.
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
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)
Self-Care in the Classroom
Self-care is more than just bubble baths and facials; it is vital to our mental health and can include everyday activities, like walking and breathing. School staff can model healthy self-care and pass it along to their students. We will discuss what self-care can look like in your classroom both virtually and in-person.
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)
Screen Time, Safety and Burnout – Teachers and Students
Transitioning our work and school to a virtual setting has led to less engagement, but virtual spaces can promote connection as well. The human brain is wired for connection, and many are feeling disconnected from their jobs, school, and peers. Join us to discuss tips for preventing burnout and creating and promoting safety during screen time.
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) - Effective teaching strategies
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
How to Engage with Students
Engaging with young people in a meaningful way is vital to the success of schools and programs. Join us to learn practical tips and tricks to increase your engagement both in the classroom and virtually.
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) - Effective teaching strategies
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
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 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)
GSM, LGBTQ+, GSRD
Many students in our schools identify as a gender or sexual minority. A 2020 survey found that 40% of LGBTQ respondents seriously considered attempting suicide in the past twelve months, with more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth having seriously considered suicide (Trevor Project, 2020). Participants will identify ways to support gender and sexual minorities in their schools and learn skills for being a more inclusive educator.
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, LGBQ+ identities, Transgender and gender expansive identities
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)
LGBQ+ Identities Indicators - Indicator 1 (K-12): Explain how availability of supportive school staff, presence of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), LGBQ-inclusive curricular resources, and the presence of comprehensive, enumerated anti-harassment school policies are related to improved school climate for students of all sexual orientations.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Define sexual orientation and sexual identity, including that everyone has both.
- Indicator 3 (6-12): Explain the difference between sexual orientation, sexual behavior, and sexual identity.
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Demonstrate the use of inclusive and affirming language. (S)
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to intervene effectively in homophobic and other bullying comments and actions. (S)
- Indicator 6 (K-12): Explain three ways that LGBQ+ youth are at disproportionate risk for health disparities.
- Indicator 7 (K-12): Identify three credible, medically accurate, youth-friendly resources that can provide information or support related to sexual orientation.
- Indicator 8 (K-12): Explain why it is essential to include positive portrayals of LGBQ+ people in lessons.
Transgender and Gender Expansive Identities Indicator - Indicator 1 (K-12): Explain how availability of supportive school staff, presence of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), gender-inclusive curricular resources, and the presence of comprehensive enumerated anti-harassment school policies are related to improved school climate for students of all gender identities.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate the use of inclusive and affirming language. (S)
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Define gender identity and sex assigned at birth.
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Explain how gender identity and gender expression are distinct from each other and from sexual orientation.
- Indicator 5 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to intervene effectively in transphobic, sexist, misogynistic and other gender-related bullying comments and actions. (S)
- Indicator 6 (K-12): Explain three ways that transgender and gender expansive youth are at disproportionate risk for health disparities.
- 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.
Minors Rights in Georgia
Participants will be able to describe the rights of minors in Georgia as related to confidentiality, informed consent, contraceptive care and counseling, abortion, STI testing, HIV/AIDS testing, substance abuse, and emergency care. We will provide youth-friendly resources for accessing reproductive health needs.
Cost - Please contact alexandra@gcapp.org for details
Age Group(s) - Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12
Topic(s) - Consent and interpersonal and sexual violence, Contraception, pregnancy, and reproduction
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
Consent, Interpersonal and Sexual Violence Indicators - Indicator 5 (K-12): Explain sex trafficking and the state laws related to it.
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)
Sexual Violence 101
This training is a brief overview of various forms of sexual violence, including rape, sexual harassment, and stalking, in addition to the importance of consent. We will discuss SB401 and look at how that has impacted sexual violence prevention education in schools. We will review curriculum options and programs for addressing this mandate.
Cost - Please contact alexandra@gcapp.org for details
Age Group(s) - Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12
Topic(s) - Consent and interpersonal and sexual violence, Disclosure, Healthy relationships
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.
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.
Sexual Violence in the Media
The media plays a huge role in how we think about sex and sexuality. Using TV clips, movie scenes, ads and songs, we will explore how the media portrays sexual violence. We will also discuss how we can use the media to have constructive conversations regarding sexual violence in our daily lives.
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) - Consent and interpersonal and sexual violence, Healthy relationships
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
Consent, Interpersonal and Sexual Violence Indicators - Indicator 3 (K-12): Differentiate between situations in which sexual consent is and is not present.
Healthy Relationships Indicators - Indicator 3 (K-12): Describe three strategies for teaching students communication skills.
- Indicator 4 (K-12): Describe three strategies for incorporating the positive and negative impacts of communicating through technology into lessons on healthy relationships.
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.
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.
Reproductive Anatomy, Birth Control, and STIs
Join us for an interactive training to learn the basics of sexual health. Through activities and discussions, participants will learn the basics of the male- and female-bodied reproductive systems, STIs, and various birth control methods.
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) - Contraception, pregnancy, and reproduction, Puberty and adolescent development, Sexual and reproductive anatomy and physiology
Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators
Contraception, Pregnancy, and Reproduction Indicators - Indicator 1 (6-12): Explain fertilization, implantation, conception, and how pregnancy occurs.
Puberty and Adolescent Development Indicators - Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe how puberty prepares the human body for the potential to reproduce.
Sexual & Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology Indicators - Indicator 1 (K-5): Explain the benefits of teaching young children the medically accurate terms for genitals.
- Indicator 2 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to use medically accurate terms for sexual and reproductive anatomy, including all external genitals. (S)
- Indicator 3 (K-12): Explain the function of the individual sexual and reproductive body parts and how they typically work.
