How can schools obtain greater parent involvement in health and family life education?
Some local districts offer a workshop for parents to review curriculum materials prior to beginning the family life education program. Such a workshop is an excellent opportunity to make parents aware of normal sexual development in children, to address their concerns and offer advice when answering common questions children of various ages might ask regarding sexuality. Alternatively, teachers can assign adult-child homework assignments that provide an opportunity for parents/caregivers and children to discuss issues related to sex education such as values, family beliefs, culture, history and need for good communication. Interviews and discussion questions are a common technique used in creating these assignments that may be a formal part or a supplement to the curriculum. The New Jersey Parent Teacher Association encourages its members to become involved in supporting health education and a coordinated approach to school health programs through committees that address HIV/AIDS, char
Related Questions
- Does the New Jersey Department of Education approve health and family life education materials (e.g., textbooks, videos, software) or require schools to use specific materials?
- Can schools contract with outside organizations to provide health and family life education during school hours?
- How can schools garner community support for health and family life education?
