A Sexual Health Education Workgroup was convened per ESHB 1109 Section 501 [3] [h] to consider the merits and challenges of requiring schools to provide sexual health education.
Legislative Reports summarizing the Workgroup’s findings and recommendations have been submitted to the Legislature.
OSPI provides technical assistance and support to schools by promoting best practices in HIV/AIDS prevention and sexual health education. Washington state law requires annual HIV/AIDS prevention education beginning in grade 5.
Districts that choose to offer sexual health education that extends beyond HIV/AIDS prevention must comply with the Healthy Youth Act.
HIV/AIDS prevention education is required yearly in grades 5–12 by the AIDS Omnibus Act.
In partnership with the Department of Health, OSPI conducts regular reviews of curricula and other materials to support districts in meeting state requirements for the delivery of sexual health education (RCW 28A.300.475).
The KNOW Curriculum is one of two HIV/STD curriculum options available to school districts in Washington state. Districts may use OSPI's "model" curriculum, KNOW, or a curriculum developed or purchased by the district that has been reviewed by the Department of Health (DOH) for medical accuracy.
The Healthy Youth Act (state law) provides a framework for those districts that choose to provide sexual health education.
A representative survey of schools conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) every two years to collect information about school health policies, instruction, and practices. OSPI conducts the Washington state survey.
Questions and answers about sexual health education requirements in Washington state.