The Oracle: What are the goals for sex education? What knowledge should students leave with?
Lisa Wu: One goal for sex ed is for students to know how their bodies really work by getting factual information from adults rather than peers. Another goal is to educate students about the consequences (good and bad) for being sexually active or choosing abstinence and to help them be aware of resources available to them. Lastly, it’s a way to open up dialogue between students and adults so students feel they have someone (other than adult figures at home) to talk to regarding these issues.
TO: What topics are covered in the sex ed unit?
LW: Contraceptives, STDs (especially AIDS), male/female reproductive systems and the female menstrual cycle
TO: Do you think there is anything missing from the topics that are already covered?
LW: I think the Living Skills class does a great job incorporating sex ed and healthy decision making. The component of “decision making” was a topic I didn’t cover in Biology so I’m glad they talk about it in Living Skills.
TO: Do you think ninth grade is the appropriate time for students to be learning sex ed? Should they learn about it earlier or later?
LW: I believe students take a sex ed class in fifth grade, but they don’t cover STDs. I think ninth grade is an appropriate time to talk about STDs.
TO: Do you think teaching sex ed in school is a good thing?
LW: Oh my gosh, yes! Where else would they learn it? I don’t think all parents are comfortable teaching sex ed to their children and give their children correct information.
TO: Do you have an opinion on the best way to teach it to students?
LW: That’s a tough question. It totally depends on the teacher, teaching style and the way students respond. I try to teach it in a relaxed, but still serious way.
TO: How do you feel about teaching abstinence?
LW: I think all points of view should be taught to students so they can make their own decision.
TO: What do you remember about learning sex ed when you were younger? Was it similar to what is taught nowadays?
LW: I went to a Catholic school when I was taught sex ed. It was very different. My teacher was a nun who just told us to read the book and answer the questions. She didn’t open up the opportunity for us to ask questions.
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