In the Anchorage school district talking about sex begins at the elementary level, but only with parental permission. Fifth and Sixth graders who get the ok from their parents take part in the health curriculum called "Human Growth and Development".

District Health Curriculum specialist Sharon Vassiere says topics like intercourse and HIV transmission are covered, but the focus is on changes that students can expect to see in their own bodies during puberty.

"Do we tell kids that since this is a time in their lives that girls are beginning to menstruate that babies can occur? Absolutely, we are making them aware of that. We don't talk about contraception at those grades and we spend a lot of focus on referring kids back to their parents or other trusted adults when those kind of questions come up," says Vassiere.

Parents who have questions about what their children will be learning at a particular grade level can preview the material and decide for themselves. Vassiere says if they have objections or concerns they simply can opt their child out of that instruction during that time of day.

It's not till kids hit middle school that the district has a class specifically on sexuality. It is one semester long and it is only taught in the 8th grade. Vassiere says it includes a greater focus on relationships, sexually transmitted diseases and for the first time, contraception.

The district's policy on contraceptives allows instructors to show different types

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in the classroom. In the case of condoms instructors can talk about how to safely put one on, they can even show pictures or posters about how it's done but there are no demonstrations allowed.

Furthermore, instructors can tell students where contraceptives are available in the community but they are not allowed to distribute them in schools, even from the school nurse.

Another district policy that Vassier says is important, is the emphasis on abstinence.

"We recognize that for most parents, in fact for all parents that we have interviewed, they would prefer that their children not be having sex at this young age, " says Vassiere. "There are also studies suggesting that early sexual experience may increase the risk of cervical cancer later in a woman's life, so there are several reasons why an emphasis on abstinence is important."

But perhaps the biggest objection to the sex-ed curriculum comes not from parents but from the students themselves. Many say they wish the classes would continue beyond the 8th grade and into the high school level to address the most serious problems teens face.

Student leaders say human sexuality classes in high school should cover topics like teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and abusive relationships, all of which would be more meaningful to high school students.

The district says it is considering offering an elective class at the high school level and is working on the curriculum right now.

To contact the Newsroom, call 907-274-1111.

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