AUSTIN — Starting this week, parents will get a chance to help Austin Independent School District revamp one of the most controversial school subjects: Sex education.
The district is considering changing its sex education curriculum for the first time in 12 years. AISD's "human sexuality and responsibility" curriculum will be abstinence-focused due to state policy.
But, according to the district, updated topics will include topics such as anatomy, pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The new curriculum will also make it easier for parents to opt children out of certain lessons instead of an entire class.
The district is hosting three meetings starting this Thursday for feedback:
We took a look online at the lessons the district teaches now. Students do not learn about puberty until fifth grade. The district said the current curriculum does not teach medically accurate descriptions for body parts, which it is looking to change.
Parents are asked to decide when in grades third through fifth students will learn about sexual orientation, reproduction, harassment and consent.
"So in lower grades, consent might look like 'hey you know what? You're calling me every day after school. I don't like that,” said Kathy Ryan, Director of Academics for Austin ISD. “Please stop. It's not necessarily consent for sexual acts."
According to the Texas Education Code, the board of each school district essentially has control over its sex ed. They do this by establishing a local school health advisory council to ensure local community values are reflected.
Before any sexuality lessons begin in elementary and middle school, teachers send forms home with students for parental approval. Parents can opt out.
The district's board of trustees will vote on the proposed curriculum in January.