Model Board Policy Manual

ISBA Policy Management Console

Health, family life, and sex education; including information about parts of the body, reproduction, and related topics; shall be included in the instructional program as appropriate to the grade level and course of study. The instructional approach shall be developed after consultation with parents and other community representatives. Parents shall be given the opportunity to review the materials to be used and may request that their child be excluded from sex education class sessions without prejudice. Any parent/legal guardian may have their child excused from any planned sex education instruction upon filing a written request with the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee. The Superintendent or designee shall make a form available for such requests. Alternative educational activities shall be provided for those excused.

Sex Education

The Board directs that a philosophy of abstinence shall be a part of and the underlying principal in all sex education instruction. However, it is recognized that this alone may not prevent pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, the Board allows for instruction in sex education including STIs, birth control, adoption, and general human sexuality. In all cases the known facts will be taught, not the opinions or moral judgment of the instructor. This does not preclude giving impartial viewpoints on both sides of issues such as abortion or on the use of birth control methods.

Any sex education instruction shall include instruction on:

1. Available adoption resources and current adoption practices in the United States as a means of providing for the well-being of a child;
2. The Idaho Safe Haven Act, IC 39-8201 et seq.; and
3. Where to find resources and support in the State of Idaho.

The Board believes that instruction on STIs is most effective when integrated into a comprehensive health education program. Instruction shall be developmentally appropriate to the grade level of the students and shall occur in a systematic manner. The Board particularly desires that students receive proper education about STIs before they reach the age when they may adopt behaviors that increase their risk of contracting an STI.

In order for education about STIs to be most effective, the Superintendent shall require that faculty members who present this instruction receive continuing in-service training that includes appropriate teaching strategies and techniques.

No sex education materials or instruction may be provided by any individual or organization that is an abortion provider.

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Education

Students shall receive education regarding the use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. The Superintendent or designee shall develop curriculum for use in health education that provides instruction to students in the areas of prevention; education; treatment; rehabilitation; and legal consequences of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. 

Cross References