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In January of 2016, the state of California passed the California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA), which mandates that all California school districts provide students with comprehensive sexual health education at least once in middle school (grade 7 or 8) and in high school.In addition, the CHYA gives districts discretion as to whether or not they will provide puberty/sexual health instruction that complies with the law and state standards for elementary school students. Cambrian exercises that discretion by providing puberty/sexual health instruction in our fifth-grade classes in order to ensure that our students enter middle school with a basic knowledge of human development, hygiene, and healthy relationships and that they have the proper framework to succeed in their 7th-grade sexual health course.In accordance with California law and Cambrian School District Board Policy, we believe firmly that all students have the right to access medically accurate, age-appropriate information about their bodies and how to keep themselves safe and well as they grow up. To that end, we are pleased to introduce Health Connected, the board adopted puberty and sexual health curriculum for grades 5 and 7. In partnership with Health Connected, a Redwood City-based nonprofit, we look forward to working with families to ensure all students have the mindsets, skills, and resources they need to thrive as healthy young adults.Parents will receive notification two(2) weeks prior to the beginning of instruction. Per CHYA, parents have the right to preview the curriculum, which is available at all of the school site offices and the district office. Parents may also opt out by notifying their child's school with a written request. Please contact your school site office for more information about reviewing materials or opt-out procedures.
Prior to this instruction, parents/guardians will be invited to attend or view a virtual or live parent information night to learn about the curriculum.
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California Healthy Youth Act
Enacted January 1, 2016, this law integrates the instruction of comprehensive sexual health education and HIV prevention education. The bill renamed the California Comprehensive Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention Education Act to the California Healthy Youth Act. The bill requires school districts to ensure that all pupils in grades seven to twelve, inclusive, receive comprehensive sexual health education and HIV prevention education.
The California Healthy Youth Act has five primary purposes:
- To provide pupils with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect their sexual and reproductive health from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and from unintended pregnancy;
- To provide pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to develop healthy attitudes concerning adolescent growth and development, body image, gender, sexual orientation, relationships, marriage, and family;
- To promote understanding of sexuality as a normal part of human development;
- To ensure pupils receive integrated, comprehensive, accurate, and unbiased sexual health and HIV prevention instruction and provide educators with clear tools and guidance to accomplish that end;
- To provide pupils with the knowledge and skills necessary to have healthy, positive, and safe relationships and behaviors
For more information, refer to the following CDE website:https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/se/index.asp
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Health Connected Curriculum Website
Core components of all of the Health Connected curricula:
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Intended to be delivered to mixed-gender groups
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Makes extensive use of interactive and participatory techniques
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Teaches and affords practice skills for communicating effectively with parents/trusted adults, peers, and partners to make health-related decisions
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Updated gender-inclusive language
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Relevant to and inclusive of diverse racial, ethnic, religious, and sexual identities
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Promotes awareness of boundaries, safety issues, and legal issues related to sex and sexuality and resources for support
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All activities available in both English and Spanish
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Meet the stringent requirements for sexual health education in the California Education Code and all applicable California Education Content Standards
Health Connected’s curricula and materials are intended for use by schools and school districts. If you are an individual or non-profit organization interested in purchasing any of our materials, please contact curriculum@health-connected.org.
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Parent Resources
- Assembly Bill No. 329: Pupil Instruction: Sexual Health Education
- CSD Board Policy 6142.1: Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention Education; Adopted June 2, 2016
- CSD Board Procedure 6142.1: Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention Education; Adopted June 2, 2016
- BACHE: Bay Area Communities for Health Education - Bay Area Communities for Health Education (BACHE) is parents and schools working together for comprehensive sexuality education
- American Sexual Health Association (ASHA): Be an Askable Parent
- Sutter Health Palo Alto Medical Foundation
- Health Connected Tips for Parents
- Health Connected Preteen Resources List for Parents
- Health Connected Teen and Young Adult Resources List for Parents
