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Fr I 60JK M4 PAGE228 In the elementary grades. HSE instruction is focused on the exploration of the roles and interactions of individuals within the family cycle, the responsibilities and privileges experienced by each member. the role gender plays in one's life, what it means to be a friend, and an individual's place in society as a whole. In grade four, the issue of AIDS is addressed in the curriculum as an extension of the discussion regarding the immune system. The instructional focus is on eliminating many of the myths regarding both how AIDS is transmitted and the perceived risk of being around someone with AIDS, with the goal of reducing fear in children regarding the likelihood of them contracting the virus. The fifth grade health curriculum "Preparing for Adolescence. A Problem Solving, Self-esteem Approach" written by Michelle Willis. health teacher in Indian River County, addresses the changes that occur during adolescence. These changes that occur are described in terms of their physical. as well as social and emotional characteristics. GRADES 6 - 8 The middle grades are ones in which students undergo dramatic changes in all areas of their lives. In health education the area of HSE attempts to help students have a clearer understanding of the changes they are experiencing physically, socially and emotionally. The function of the reproductive cycle is explained, along with the issue of why individuals mature at different rates. and the role of peer pressure in one's social development. POSTPONING SERVAL I NVOLVEI1iZNT In addition to the curriculum in use in grades 6 - 8, the school district. in 1992, implemented a program entitled "Postponing Sexual Involvement" through the Teen Parent Program as a pregnancy prevention effort. This model program is one of the few programs, nationwide, that research shows has an impact on reducing teen pregnancy. The program targets students in sixth and seventh grades using specially trained high school students to deliver a message of abstinence and provide the younger students with the tools to help them resist sexual involvement. The program is conducted weekly for four consecutive weeks. GRADES 9 - 12 While parents are regarded as the primary sexuality educators of their children, and are responsible for the attitudes and values their children have about sexuality issues, school based human sexuality education can play a significant role in the student's ongoing sexual development by increasing his or her knowledge and understanding of sexuality to promote positive, healthy choices and outcomes. Life Management skills, a course required for graduation, is usually taught in the ninth grade. This comprehensive life skills course further addresses issues of the reproductive cycle, sexually transmitted diseases, date rape, and making responsible choices. As in previous courses, the nature of feelings in human relationships is explored in an effort to encourage students' understanding regarding the complexity of relationships. In grades 10 - 12 Human Sexuality Education is addressed through a variety of elective courses, many of which are offered through Health or Home Economics classes. In these courses, as in the previous ones, the underlying philosophy is abstinence based with attention given to the responsibilities and consequences in sexual relationships, and the ways to avoid pregnancy and SIDS. Throughout the HSE curriculum parents are sent letters explaining the program and inviting them to meet with the teachers to preview the materials that will be used, or to discuss questions or concerns they may have. If parents do not want their child to participate in the program, the child is excused and given an alternate assignment. For parents whose children participate in the classes. communication between parent and child regarding the course content is encouraged. JANUARY 27, 1998 -38-