Ron Becker, principal of Gallatin High School, Gallatin, TN shares appreciation for DCO and how the need is met to teach this difficult topic in public schools.
Our Curriculum that is used in the classroom is now available for purchase along with training. Real Essentials is necessary component to the full curriculum.
LIFE CHOICES
Partnering with public high schools through health education classes, this DCO program teaches and equips students with success oriented skills and knowledge leading to optimal health and life outcomes. The true costs of sexual activity prior to marriage and potential outcomes of risky sexual behaviors are clearly explored: STD/STIs, pregnancy, educational, economic and relational impact. This program serves 9th-10th grade students and is taught by SRAS certified education specialists.
COST OF TEEN PARENTING
Reaching older teenage students, this engaging and interactive DCO program provides hands-on research Into the realities and demands of parenting. The financial costs of parenting as well as the impact on teen educational, economic and career prospects are uncovered. The program is taught through Personal Finance/Economics, Family Living, and Child Development classes in public and private high Schools targeting 11th-12th grade students.
HEALTHY BOUNDARIES
Developing middle school students through an engaging and thorough exploration of identity, value, and the role of positive physical, emotional, relational and media boundaries. DCO partners with public and private middle schools and community organizations to strengthen this age group toward healthy choices at a time when online abuses and addictions can be so destructive. The program is primarily taught to 7th and 8th grade middle school students, but can be modified to teach 6th grade middle school students.
THRIVE (RELATIONSHIP ESSENTIALS)
Offered in after school and community small group settings, THRIVE Mentoring cultivates healthy decision making, self-efficacy, relationship skills and orientation toward positive life outcomes. Many middle and high school students involved in this program need the asset development and weekly mentoring to avoid risky behaviors.
Tennessee Standards & Laws on Sex Education
Tennessee mandates sex and HIV/AIDS education if the pregnancy rate exceeds 19.5 pregnancies per 1,000 females aged 15-17.
Sex education must:
- Stress abstinence
- Include information on:
- The importance of sex only within marriage
- Negative outcomes of teen sex
- Avoiding coercion
- Healthy decision-making
- Family communication
HIV/AIDS education must:
- Stress abstinence
- Be age-appropriate
Parents may opt out of sex and HIV/AIDS education.
Laws Our Curriculum Adheres To:
Title 49, Chapter 6, Part 13: Family Life Curriculum (Pg. 50)
T.C.A. § 49-6-1301. Part Definitions (Pg. 50)
T.C.A. § 49-6-1302. Curriculum for Family Life Education (Pg. 51)
T.C.A. § 49-6-1303. Assistance in Teaching Family Life (Pg. 52)
T.C.A. § 49-6-1304. Family Life Instruction (Pg. 52)
T.C.A. § 49-6-1305. Notification of Parents and Legal Guardians — Excusing Students from Family Life Instruction (Pg. 54)
T.C.A. § 49-6-1306. Complaint by Parent or Legal Guardian – Cause of Action by Parent or Guardian (Pg. 55)
T.C.A. § 49-6-1307. Instruction of Sexual Education to Comply with Part — Scientific Study of Reproductive System Permitted (Pg. 56)
Alabama Standards & Laws on Sex Education
If sex education is provided, it must:
- Stress abstinence
- Include information on:
- The importance of sex only within marriage
- Contraception
- Negative outcomes of teen sex
- Avoiding coercion
- Be age-appropriate
- Discourage non-heterosexual behavior
HIV/AIDS education must:
- Stress abstinence
- Include information about condoms
- Be age-appropriate
Specific content abiding by these minimum requirements is developed locally.
Parents may opt out of sex and HIV/AIDS education.
Law:
State Standards:
SRAE National Standards
K-12 Standards for Optimal Sexual Development – SRAE – Sexual Risk Avoidance Education – Abstinence Based
Tennessee General Assembly Senator Janice Bowling shares the need and support of Decisions, Choices and Options teaching in the public schools.