Graphic by Emmanuelle Copeland
The Birds.
An abstinence-based program
Both the federal and state governments set requirements on what should be taught in a school’s sexual education units, but some wonder if the amount is too much or not enough, and if their approach is even capable of teaching it the correct way.
Illinois’s approach is to allow schools to either teach everything in sex-ed or choose to not provide the class. If they do provide the class, the information must cover all topics that are accurate and backed by evidence. Parents must be provided the option to opt students out of the course. District 99 specifically had its own program. According to DGS’s Physical Education and Health Department head Scott Lange.
“We do what is called an ‘abstinence-based’ program here. [The] state mandates that you must teach about all kinds of contraception, so we do that here,” Lange said.
An abstinence-based program means that the school teaches the facts about each contraceptive while emphasizing abstinence, as Illinois is a state that requires abstinence to be stressed. DGS health teacher Lauren Hoel gave her thoughts on the school’s program.
“We stick to the facts, because as much as we want to impose our values on staying abstinent, we know that is a choice for them and they have to decide,” Hoel said.
Illinois’s guidelines state that education on contraceptives must be provided. Not all believe that this is enough, however, as nurse practitioner Megan Matt gives her opinion on the adequacy of local sexual education.
“Well, first of all, I don’t see enough [teenagers coming to the clinic for testing] because I know that more teens are likely sexually active than are coming in for testing. They’re not aware of our services, so I think that’s one problem,” Matt said.
As much as we want to impose our values on staying abstinent, we know that is a choice for them and they have to decide.
Junior Hewane Melkie also addresses concerns about clinics.
“I think during health, they informed us pretty well on the biology aspect. … However, clinics were mainly brought up when it came to talking about getting tested for pregnancy, but clinics offer so many other services than just that and they weren’t really ever [discussed],” Melkie said.
But Hoel feels satisfied with the choices the school has made.
“I love our district’s approach. There are some districts that are abstinence only, which is sticking your head in the sand for kids who are making other choices,” Hoel said.
“Just because we want kids [to choose abstinence], it doesn’t mean it’s the only choice [they’re going to] make,” Hoel said.