Considering Adding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity to the District’s Sex Education Curriculum? Assessing Need, Readiness and Identifying Next Steps

With the recent passage of Michigan’s Health Education Standards Guidelines, educators have questions about including sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression (SOGIE) into their secondary sex education curriculum. In this interactive session, we will review the applicable indicators, address common questions and concerns, and ground participants in the research-based rationale for including these topics in an age-appropriate way in the sex education curriculum. We will explore various tools and strategies for assessing community readiness in the current climate. You will leave with concrete strategies for continuing these conversations in your district. As a result of this workshop, participants will… 1) Summarize the health education indicators that focus on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression (SOGIE). 2)Analyze data supporting inclusion of this content. 3) Assess community readiness (e.g., parents, students, educators, policymakers) and leave with concrete strategies for your school district.