Comprehensive Sexual Health Education
Washington law on sexual health education states that “the decision as to whether or not a program about sexual health education is to be introduced into the common schools is a matter for determination at the district level by the local school board.” Any district that chooses to provide sexual health education must follow the requirements outlined in the Healthy Youth Act.
All sexual health education offered in Washington public schools must meet the following criteria:
All instruction and materials used must be:
- medically and scientifically accurate
- age appropriate
- appropriate for students regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, and disability status
- consistent with the Guidelines for Sexual Health and Disease Prevention (PDF)
Abstinence may not be taught to the exclusion of instruction and materials on FDA approved contraceptives and other disease prevention methods. In other words, the instruction must be comprehensive.
More information is available on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Resource: OSPI