Healthy Teen Network

Organization Data

General Information

Founded in 1979, Healthy Teen Network fosters a national community where all adolescents and young adults are supported and empowered to thrive. We are a leading national membership organization for adolescent health professionals. We promote better outcomes for adolescents and young adults by advancing social change, cultivating innovation, and strengthening youth-supporting professionals.

We offer a wide range of capacity-building assistance services with high impact results for professionals and organizations to improve program and organizational outcomes and promote sustainability. Areas of expertise span a wide range of topics across adolescent sexual and reproductive health, evidence-based approaches, curricula, working with diverse youth, training adult professionals, advocacy and public policy, strategic planning, sustainability. Services include presentations, trainings, customized technical assistance (TA) and coaching, elearning, human-centered design, assessment and evaluation support, fidelity monitoring, resource development, app development, and more. Let us know how we can help! Or, if you're not quite sure, reach out to us, and we can figure it out together.

Services Provided:

Trainings

Policy Support

Technical Assistance

Healthy Teen Network customizes techincal assistance and support to meet your unique needs.

Areas of expertise span a wide range of topics across adolescent sexual and reproductive health, evidence-based approaches, curricula, working with diverse youth, training adult professionals, innovation and research, human-centered design, advocacy and public policy, strategic planning, sustainability, and more.

Technical Assistance Webpage:

https://www.healthyteennetwork.org/capacity

Topics:

Curriculum alignment to policies, Curriculum alignment to standards, Curriculum development, Curriculum review for cultural inclusivity, Curriculum review for LGBTQ inclusivity, Curriculum review for medical accuracy, Scope and Sequence development, Scope and Sequence review

Age Group(s):

Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12

Policy Support

Whether you are building support for a new program or service or working to sustain an existing program or service, it’s important to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, as well as use effective messages and delivery strategies to mobilize diverse audiences to promote adolescent health.

On a national level, Healthy Teen Network's advocacy efforts are focused around promoting and advancing adolescent sexual and reproductive health programs and services as critical to the well-being of our nation. Healthy Teen Network understands the need to maintain a spotlight on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and promote understanding of the interplay of the environment on sexual and reproductive health outcomes.

Want help in your efforts to build support for programs and services? Healthy Teen Network can work with you to…

Develop campaigns, strategies, and materials to support public policy changes at the state or local levels on issues relevant to youth.

Build support and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, developing positive community engagement.

Write winning grant proposals in support of your fund development efforts.

Share your successes and tell your story, using strategies such as data visualization.

And more! Reach out to Healthy Teen Network to start a conversation to get the policy support you need.

Policy Webpage:

https://www.healthyteennetwork.org/center/build-support/

Support Levels:

District, Federal, State

Trainings

Navigating the Politics of Public Health: Finding Common Ground in Support of Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

In this four-part recorded webinar series, participants will learn how to advocate in support of adolescent sexual and reproductive health with conservative-leaning policymakers and key stakeholders, including:

strategies for knowing your audience to understand their background and perspective,
opportunities for finding common ground to work toward a shared goal,
leveraging the media to increase your public awareness, and
tactics for identifying and cultivating key messengers and mobilizing your community.

A shifted landscape of new or strengthened power players (particularly, those who lean conservative) at all levels of government, combined with threats to public health investments that our nation’s youth are facing, necessitates a reinvigorated call to public policy action by individuals and organizations that support youth and their families. Build your capacity to navigate the politics of public health and find common ground in support of adolescent sexual and reproductive health.

Online

Cost -

$0 (free)

Length -

1 hour per presentation, 4 hours total

Age Group(s) -

Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12

Topic(s) -

Effective teaching strategies, Sex education in schools

Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators

Effective Teaching Strategies Indicators

Indicator 6 (K-12): Describe three strategies for actively involving parents, caregivers, and other trusted adults in a sex education program.

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

Working Effectively with Adolescents

This workshop will help sex education instructors use research on adolescent social, cognitive, and biological development to improve the way they communicate with adolescents. Participants will learn techniques for engaging with adolescents and building buy-in to messages about behavior.

In person

Cost -

Varies

Length -

90 minutes to half-day, varies as needed

Age Group(s) -

Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12

Topic(s) -

Creating an inclusive and affirming learning environment, Effective teaching strategies, Puberty and adolescent development, Responding to challenging questions

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)

Effective Teaching Strategies Indicators

Indicator 1 (K-12): Demonstrate the ability to build rapport with students. (S)
Indicator 3 (K-12): Explain the differences between positive vs. shaming approaches to teaching sex education.
Indicator 6 (K-12): Describe three strategies for actively involving parents, caregivers, and other trusted adults in a sex education program.

Puberty and Adolescent Development Indicators

Indicator 2 (K-12): List three physical, three social, and three emotional changes that occur during puberty.

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)

Sexual and Reproductive Health 101

This training covers the content knowledge that sex education instructors need to feel competent leading discussions about puberty, anatomy, contraception, STIs, HIV, healthy relationships, consent, LGBTQ youth, and more.

In person

Cost -

Varies

Length -

One day, or varies as needed

Age Group(s) -

Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12

Topic(s) -

Consent and interpersonal and sexual violence, Contraception, pregnancy, and reproduction, Healthy relationships, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases/infections, LGBQ+ identities, Puberty and adolescent development, Transgender and gender expansive identities, 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.
Indicator 2 (6-12): Demonstrate the steps necessary for effective external and internal condom use and how to access condoms. (S)
Indicator 3 (6-12): Describe the differences in mechanisms of action and access between emergency contraception and the abortion pill.
Indicator 4 (6-12): Explain methods of contraception, including the latest medical advances that are popular among young people.
Indicator 5 (6-12): Describe pregnancy options, including parenting, adoption, and abortion.
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)

Healthy Relationships Indicators

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.

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 5 (6-12): Demonstrate the steps necessary for effective external and internal condom use and how to access condoms. (S).
Indicator 6 (6-12): Describe the latest medical advances in HIV and other STDs/STIs prevention and treatment.
Indicator 7 (6-12): Identify three medically accurate and youth-friendly resources for STD/STI and HIV prevention, testing, and treatment

LGBQ+ Identities Indicators

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 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.

Puberty and Adolescent Development Indicators

Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe how puberty prepares the human body for the potential to reproduce.
Indicator 2 (K-12): List three physical, three social, and three emotional changes that occur during puberty.

Sexual & Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology Indicators

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.

Transgender and Gender Expansive Identities Indicator

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 6 (K-12): Explain three ways that transgender and gender expansive youth are at disproportionate risk for health disparities.
Indicator 8 (K-12): Explain why it is essential to include positive portrayals of transgender and gender expansive people in lessons.

Teaching Strategies for Sex Education

Why do we need to use a variety of teaching strategies when teaching sex education? Which ones work best, and why? What can go wrong, and what can we do about it? This training will help instructors answer all of these questions, and feel more competent in delivering engaging and interactive sex education.

In person

Cost -

Varies

Length -

Half-day, or varies as needed

Age Group(s) -

Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12

Topic(s) -

Creating an inclusive and affirming learning environment, Effective teaching strategies, Responding to challenging questions

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)

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.
Indicator 5 (K-12): Describe three effective strategies for practicing skills with students.

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)

LGBTQ+ 101

How can sex educators ensure that students of all sexualities and genders feel 'seen' and affirmed? This training will cover the basic knowledge instructors need to feel competent leading discussions and answering questions, and will help build skills to create inclusive environments.

In person

Cost -

Varies

Length -

Half-day, or varies as needed

Age Group(s) -

Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12

Topic(s) -

LGBQ+ identities, Transgender and gender expansive identities

Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators

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.
Indicator 9 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies that can be used to include positive portrayals of LGBQ+ people in lessons. (S)

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.
Indicator 8 (K-12): Explain why it is essential to include positive portrayals of transgender and gender expansive people in lessons.
Indicator 9 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies that can be used to make lessons affirming for transgender and gender expansive people. (S)

Creating a Comfortable Climate

This training helps sex education instructors ensure they are using best practices when it comes to setting the tone for discussions, answering questions, preventing challenging situations, and managing them effectively if they do occur.

In person

Cost -

Varies

Length -

Half-day, or varies as needed

Age Group(s) -

Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12

Topic(s) -

Creating an inclusive and affirming learning environment, Disclosure, Responding to challenging questions, Sex education in schools, Values

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 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 1 (K-12): Describe the importance of teachers’ maintaining professional boundaries when teaching sex education.
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.

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.

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.

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)

How to Talk About Dual Protection

Designed for educators and clinicians, this eLearning gives participants the information and skills they need to address the increasing rates of STIs, whether working in the classroom or clinic. In this training, you will practice communicating with people who are resistant to using dual protection by using real-life scenarios tailored to your profession. Walk away feeling ready to explain dual protection and confident communicating about the barriers young people are experiencing.

Online

Cost -

$0 (free)

Length -

Estimated time: 15-20 minutes

Age Group(s) -

Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12

Topic(s) -

Contraception, pregnancy, and reproduction, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases/infections

Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators

Contraception, Pregnancy, and Reproduction Indicators

Indicator 2 (6-12): Demonstrate the steps necessary for effective external and internal condom use and how to access condoms. (S)
Indicator 4 (6-12): Explain methods of contraception, including the latest medical advances that are popular among young people.

HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases/infections Indicators

Indicator 5 (6-12): Demonstrate the steps necessary for effective external and internal condom use and how to access condoms. (S).
Indicator 7 (6-12): Identify three medically accurate and youth-friendly resources for STD/STI and HIV prevention, testing, and treatment

Privacy & Confidentiality for Adolescents Accessing Sexual & Reproductive Health Care

What are the basics of maintaining privacy and confidentiality for adolescents accessing sexual and reproductive health care? Learn as you follow the story of Kendall, a 16-year-old who visits her school-based health center. Please download the Privacy & Confidentiality Worksheet before beginning the course. Throughout the course, you will be asked to reflect and respond to various situations.

Online

Cost -

$0 (free)

Length -

Estimated time: 30-40 minutes

Age Group(s) -

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.

Serving Everyone: Providing Sexual & Reproductive Health Services to LGBTQ+ Youth

What can be done to ensure that youth who identify as LGBTQ+ are being treated with respect and dignity by health center staff and providers while receiving sexual and reproductive health services? Tons! Review some LGBTQ+ language, meet Aliyah and Jamell, two adolescents who identify as LGBTQ+, and start action planning!

Online

Cost -

$0 (free)

Length -

Estimated time: 30-40 minutes

Age Group(s) -

Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12

Topic(s) -

LGBQ+ identities, Transgender and gender expansive identities

Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators

LGBQ+ Identities Indicators

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.
Indicator 9 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies that can be used to include positive portrayals of LGBQ+ people in lessons. (S)

Transgender and Gender Expansive Identities Indicator

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.
Indicator 8 (K-12): Explain why it is essential to include positive portrayals of transgender and gender expansive people in lessons.
Indicator 9 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies that can be used to make lessons affirming for transgender and gender expansive people. (S)

Unlocking the Secrets of Classroom Management

What student behaviors do you find most challenging? What techniques can you use to respond to these behaviors? Explore essential classroom management techniques for the sex education classroom. Take a peek at a few different kinds of sex education classrooms, as well as number of challenging behaviors and some techniques to address them.

Online

Cost -

$0 (free)

Length -

Estimated time: 20-25 minutes

Age Group(s) -

Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12

Topic(s) -

Effective teaching strategies, Responding to challenging questions

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 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.

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)

Building Support for Sex Education in Schools

What does (and doesn’t) motivate people to listen to messages about the value of sex education? In this mini-course, practice building effective messages by working through real-world scenarios using evidence-based communication techniques.

Online

Cost -

$0 (free)

Length -

Estimated time: 35-45 minutes

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

Evidence-Based Interventions

What is an evidence-based intervention (also known as evidence-based program) anyway? You may know the definition—a specific kind of programming that has been evaluated to show behavior change—but what does that really mean? Evidence-based interventions and programs can expand or strengthen the programming you deliver in your community. Explore what evidence-based interventions are, what makes them different from other kinds of programs, and learn some of the basics for using evidence-based interventions effectively. Complete this course at your own pace.

Online

Cost -

$0 (free)

Length -

Estimated time: 15-20 minutes

Age Group(s) -

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

Human Trafficking 101

This is the first in a series of eLearning units focused on human trafficking. Subsequent units include content specifically for medical providers, educators, parents, caregivers, faith-based professionals, and other youth-serving professionals to better understand the role they can take in addressing sex and labor trafficking. Via an interactive, self-paced unit, participants will explore critical elements of sex and labor trafficking and steps they can take to support victims and survivors in your community. This unit promotes learning though stories, activities, and short quizzes.

Through Healthy Teen Network’s partnership with the University of Maryland School of Social Work’s Prevention of Adolescent Risk Initiative, we are pleased to share resources on human trafficking. Although these resources are focused on specifics for the state of Maryland, anyone from any state can learn about human trafficking as well.

Online

Cost -

$0 (free)

Length -

Estimated time: 20 minutes

Age Group(s) -

Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12

Topic(s) -

Consent and interpersonal and sexual violence

Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators

Addressing Trafficking in School

In this eLearning unit, learn how, as an educator or school employee, you can identify signs that a student may be experiencing or vulnerable to sex or labor trafficking. This unit employs stories, interactive dialog, quizzing, and video to promote learning. Suggested prerequisite: Human Trafficking 101.

Online

Cost -

$0 (free)

Length -

Estimated time: 20 minutes

Age Group(s) -

Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12

Topic(s) -

Consent and interpersonal and sexual violence, Healthy relationships, LGBQ+ identities, Responding to challenging questions, Transgender and gender expansive identities

Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE) Indicators

Healthy Relationships Indicators

Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe three distinguishing characteristics between healthy and unhealthy relationships, involving family, friends, and/or romantic partners.

LGBQ+ Identities Indicators

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.
Indicator 9 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies that can be used to include positive portrayals of LGBQ+ people in lessons. (S)

Transgender and Gender Expansive Identities Indicator

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.
Indicator 8 (K-12): Explain why it is essential to include positive portrayals of transgender and gender expansive people in lessons.
Indicator 9 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies that can be used to make lessons affirming for transgender and gender expansive people. (S)

The Teacher's Guide to Sex Ed

Providing quality sex ed is more than just anatomy and pregnancy. But how do you focus on all the stuff that matters to help students making informed and healthy choices?

The Teacher’s Guide has 8 units (listed below) to cover the basics of what you need to know. Go through all 8, or pick and choose what works best for you. Review the units in any order, at your own pace.

Lesson 1: Puberty & the Reproductive System

This unit covers learning pointers about teaching about puberty and reproduction.

Lesson 2: Preventing Pregnancy & Infection: The Basics of Keeping Safe

This unit covers learning about condoms and contraception when teaching sexual health education, HIV/STI prevention, and/or family life education.

Lesson 3: HIV & STIs: Making Sense of Being Safe

This unit covers learning about HIV and STIs (sexually transmitted infections) when teaching sexual health education, HIV/STI prevention, and/or family life education. Understanding how HIV and STIs are spread is critical information for students to learn. It can also be a challenging topic to understand and teach about.

Lesson 4: It’s Not Just What You Say: Techniques & Approaches for a Healthy Sex Ed Class

This unit covers learning about how to create and maintain a comfortable environment teaching sexual health education, HIV/STI prevention, and/or family life education.

Lesson 5: Knowing the Law: Laws & Policies Related to Teaching Sex Ed

This unit covers learning about the laws and policies that are relevant to teaching sexual health education, HIV/STI prevention, and/or family life education.

Lesson 6: Responding with Confidence: Answering Sensitive Questions & Maintaining Boundaries

This unit covers how to answering sensitive or challenging questions from students when teaching sexual health education, HIV/STI prevention, and/or family life education.

Lesson 7: Sexuality & Gender 101: Explaining Concepts of Gender & Sexuality

This unit covers how to talk about gender and sexual orientation particularly when teaching sexual health education, HIV/STI prevention, and/or family life education.

Lesson 8: Talking about Getting Along: The Basics of Teaching Students about Healthy Relationships

This unit covers how to teach about healthy relationships when teaching sexual health education, HIV/STI prevention, and/or family life education.

Online

Cost -

$0 (free)

Length -

Estimated time: 30-40 minutes per unit / 4-5 hours for the entire course

Age Group(s) -

Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12

Topic(s) -

Contraception, pregnancy, and reproduction, Creating an inclusive and affirming learning environment, Disclosure, Effective teaching strategies, Healthy relationships, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases/infections, LGBQ+ identities, Puberty and adolescent development, Responding to challenging questions, Transgender and gender expansive identities, Sex education in schools, Sexual and reproductive anatomy and physiology, Values

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.
Indicator 2 (6-12): Demonstrate the steps necessary for effective external and internal condom use and how to access condoms. (S)
Indicator 4 (6-12): Explain methods of contraception, including the latest medical advances that are popular among young people.
Indicator 5 (6-12): Describe pregnancy options, including parenting, adoption, and abortion.

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)

Disclosure Indicators

Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe the importance of teachers’ maintaining professional boundaries when teaching sex education.
Indicator 2 (K-12): List three factors to consider regarding personal disclosure 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)

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.
Indicator 5 (K-12): Describe three effective strategies for practicing skills with students.

Healthy Relationships Indicators

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.

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 5 (6-12): Demonstrate the steps necessary for effective external and internal condom use and how to access condoms. (S).
Indicator 6 (6-12): Describe the latest medical advances in HIV and other STDs/STIs prevention and treatment.
Indicator 7 (6-12): Identify three medically accurate and youth-friendly resources for STD/STI and HIV prevention, testing, and treatment

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 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.
Indicator 9 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies that can be used to include positive portrayals of LGBQ+ people in lessons. (S)

Puberty and Adolescent Development Indicators

Indicator 1 (K-12): Describe how puberty prepares the human body for the potential to reproduce.
Indicator 2 (K-12): List three physical, three social, and three emotional changes that occur during puberty.
Indicator 3 (K-12): Identify three practices that students can adopt for maintaining healthy habits beginning during puberty.

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)

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.

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.

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 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.
Indicator 8 (K-12): Explain why it is essential to include positive portrayals of transgender and gender expansive people in lessons.
Indicator 9 (K-12): Demonstrate three strategies that can be used to make lessons affirming for transgender and gender expansive people. (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)

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Organization Data

Navigating the Politics of Public Health: Finding Common Ground in Support of Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

Working Effectively with Adolescents

Sexual and Reproductive Health 101

Teaching Strategies for Sex Education

LGBTQ+ 101

Creating a Comfortable Climate

How to Talk About Dual Protection

Privacy & Confidentiality for Adolescents Accessing Sexual & Reproductive Health Care

Serving Everyone: Providing Sexual & Reproductive Health Services to LGBTQ+ Youth

Unlocking the Secrets of Classroom Management

Building Support for Sex Education in Schools

Evidence-Based Interventions

Human Trafficking 101

Addressing Trafficking in School

The Teacher's Guide to Sex Ed

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