• Requirement

    • (SB 5395) requires Washington public schools to provide comprehensive sexual health education instruction that is medically and scientifically accurate, evidence-informed, age-appropriate, aligned with the health and learning standards, and inclusive of all students regardless of their protected class status.
      • NOTE: The state standards have remained the same. The new law requires they are taught and when.

    Definition

    • Comprehensive sexual health education is defined as “recurring instruction in human development and reproduction that is age-appropriate and inclusive of all students
      • No sexual content is required for students in grades K-3

    Required Content

    • In grades K-3, instruction must be in Social Emotional Learning - learning skills to do things like cope with feelings, set goals, and get along with others. 
      • Note: there is no sexuality content required for students in grades K-3.
    • In grades 4-12, instruction must include information about:
      • The physiological, psychological, and sociological developmental process experienced by an individual;
      • The development of intrapersonal and interpersonal skills to communicate, respectfully and effective, to reduce health risks and choose healthy behaviors and relationships based on mutual respect and affection, and free from violence, coercion, and intimidation;
      • Health care and prevention resources;
      • The development of meaningful relationships and avoidance of exploitative relationships;
      • Understanding the influences of family, peers, community and the media throughout life on healthy sexual relationships;
      • Affirmative consent and recognizing and responding safely and effectively when violence or a risk of violence is or may be present, with strategies that include bystander training. 

    Schools may use curricula and other instructional materials that have been reviewed by OSPI and the state Department of Health (DOH) for consistency with these provisions or may choose to develop and review materials themselves. Curriculum, instruction, and materials must be medically and scientifically accurate, and consistent with the provisions outlined in the bill. 

    Resources Links:

    Timeline for Implementation of State Requirement

    2020-21 School Year (this varies slightly based upon current practices in districts)

    • Begin preparing to incorporate age-appropriate instruction on affirmative consent and bystander training and begin work with selection of materials for implementation of requirement (for 2021-22 school year)

    2021-2022 School Year

    • Must begin providing comprehensive sexual health education at least twice between grades 6-8 and twice between grades 9-12

    2022-2023 School Year

    • Must provide social emotional learning in grades K-3 (No sexual content required in grades K-3)
    • Must provide comprehensive sexual health education at least once between grades 4 and 5
    • School districts must inform OSPI of any curricula used to provide the sexual health education

    Parent & Guardian Rights

    • Parents/guardians have the right to opt their children out of any or all of the instruction at any time
    • School Districts must involve parents/guardians in the curriculum material selection process
      • Parents may review curriculum materials and give input during the selection process
    • There are annual notification requirements to parents from the School District