Sexual Health Education Goals and Objectives
Middle and High School

1. Information: To provide accurate information about human sexuality. Goals include, but are not limited to, students having knowledge of:

  • the structure and function of male and female reproductive anatomy;
  • the benefits and challenges of choosing abstinence;
  • behaviors that put one at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), methods of prevention, testing, and treatment;
  • behaviors that put one at risk for pregnancy;
  • all FDA approved methods of contraception, how to use them, and their effectiveness;
  • other methods commonly used to prevent pregnancy and their effectiveness, including withdrawal and the rhythm method;
  • possible physical, emotional, social and legal consequences of sexual activity; and
  • community resources available related to sexual and reproductive health.

2. Attitudes, Values, and Insights: To provide an opportunity for young people to examine and understand their values, attitudes and insights about sexuality. Goals include, but are not limited to, exploration, analysis and discussion aimed at increasing students' understanding of the following issues:

  • teen pregnancy as it relates to the emotional, physical, and social health of prospective parents, child, and community;
  • gender and sexuality issues, such as sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression;
  • sexual violence, sexual harassment, and intimate partner violence;
  • the roles of self-esteem and self-efficacy in influencing personal choices; and
  • the roles of family, community, cultural, and religious values in forming personal values and making personal choices.

3. Relationships and Interpersonal Skills: To help young people develop healthy relationships and interpersonal skills.  Goals include, but are not limited to, assisting students in the developing the following skills:

  • communication and listening;
  • decision-making;
  • interpersonal problem solving and conflict resolution;
  • recognizing and navigating peer pressure;
  • understanding and creating healthy relationships; and
  • recognizing and exiting unhealthy relationships.

4. Responsibility: To help young people exercise responsibility regarding sexual behaviors, which includes addressing abstinence, pressures to become prematurely involved in sexual activity, and the use of contraception and other sexual health measures (e.g. prevention of HIV and other STIs).  Goals include, but are not limited to, assisting students in increasing their ability to:

  • understand the benefits and challenges of choosing abstinence;
  • analyze the possible short-term and long-term consequences of engaging in risky sexual behaviors;
  • identify ways in which personal behavior can be modified to reduce risks of pregnancy, HIV, and other STIs;
  • understand how to access sexual and reproductive health services provided by community agencies;
  • evaluate the influence of peer and social pressure in personal decision-making; and
  • engage in critical thinking and utilize decision-making, problem-solving, and refusal skills in order to avoid involvement in unwanted or early sexual intercourse and/or effectively use identified prevention or risk reduction methods.

All goals and objectives should be implemented in a manner that is age appropriate and consistent with the requirements of State of Michigan Public Acts 165 and 166 of 2004 (most relevantly, requirements a-k of Sec.1507b (2) of Public Act 165).

Developed by Ann Arbor Public Schools Sexual Health Education Advisory Committee, 3-18-10