As part of the middle and high school instructional health program, all students starting in grade five participate in comprehensive health education instruction. The Family Life and Sexual Health Unit is just one of the several units taught in health education. This unit was developed based on national and state health education standards and in accordance with Maryland State Regulation (COMAR 13A.04.18).
The specific outcomes and activities are designed to be developmentally appropriate for students at each grade level, and reflects all students regardless of gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, or disability. Students in grades 5 through 8 receive Family Life and Sexual Health. High School Health I also provides Sexual Health curriculum. The information provided promotes abstinence as the safest, healthiest choice for adolescents. Students may be excused from the Family Life and Sexual Health Unit of the program in grades 5-8, upon written request from their parent or guardian. Appropriate alternative instruction will be provided for those being excused. Parents are invited to review the information and materials used in the Family Life and Sexual Health Unit. The components that are NOT included in the opt-out are puberty and menstruation instruction. These components are required topics in the health class curriculum.
Partners with Parents in Education
We believe that parents should be an integral part of these sensitive discussions. Worcester County provides guidance for teachers on addressing difficult questions. Our primary response is to have students ask parents these questions and have discussions with their parents/trusted adults. We hope to cultivate an experience where students will feel comfortable discussing these topics with their parents/trusted adult.
To view the WCPS brochure, outlining the curriculum and expectations,
click here.
To view and print Opt-out forms for the Family Life and Sexual Health curriculum, please click the appropriate language and grade from below.
For questions regarding Family Life and Sexual Health curriculum, please contact Tamara Mills by emailing
[email protected]worcesterk12.org.