The Politics of Sexuality Education

Abstract

A statewide survey of health education supervisors sought to ascertain the prevalence of sexuality education topics taught within their school districts and the types of methods utilized to implement such instruction. The results reveal that although some, mostly not required, instruction takes place in the majority, districts did not fully utilize the strategies suggested in major professional documents for establishing sexuality education programs. Two tactics emerged, however, as most important in relation to the strongest programs: the involvement of parents and the publicly active support of a community network. These two factors explained almost 40% of the variance among districts' programs when statistically controlling for major demographic variables. These findings reinforce the need to solicit the active involvement of program supporters, especially parents, to optimize chances of successful implementation of sexuality education in schools.