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.
LIFE CHOICES
Partnering with public high schools through the health education classes,DCO programs teach and equip 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 in state mandated health classes and is taught by SRAS certified education specialists.
COST OF TEEN PARENTING
Reaching older teenage students, this engaging and interactive program provides hands-on research Into the realities and demands of parenting. The financial costs of parenting as well as the impact of teen on educational, economic and career prospects are uncovered. The program is taught through the Personal Finance/Economics, Family Living & 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 at time when online abuses and addictions can be so destructive. The program is taught through 6th-8th grade middle school classes.
THRIVE
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.
High School Standards
Tennessee Health Education and Lifetime Wellness Standards, Grades 9-12
Middle School Standards
Tennessee Health Education and Lifetime Wellness Standards, Grades 6-8
TN Laws on Sex Education
TN Code Annotated Sex Education Law 2021
SRAE National Standards
K-12 Standards for Optimal Sexual Development – SRAE – Sexual Risk Avoidance Education – Abstinence Based
SIECUS National Sex Education Standards
National Sex Education Standards: Core Content and Skills, K–12 (Second Edition) – Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)
Tennessee General Assembly Senator Janice Bowling shares the need and support of Decisions, Choices and Options teaching in the public schools.