State Strategy Coordinator Sex Ed in Virginia: State Law, School Policies, & Talking with Young People Kelsey Van Nice State Strategy Coordinator Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS)

SIECUS educates, advocates, and informs.

Objectives Describe current laws and policies regarding sexuality education in Virginia Identify new strategies for talking with young people about sexuality

Sexuality Education in Virginia What I think I know… VA schools are NOT required to teach sex ed However, decisions are left to local school boards Programs must meet or exceed the requirements of the State Board of Education

Talking to Young People about Sexuality LISTEN Know the policies of your school district Uphold confidentiality Be respectful and understanding of your diverse population Promote parent/child communication Pregnant or parenting teens, LGBTQ youth, Sexual assault survivors, HIV-positive youth, Racial or ethnic minority youth Talk to your colleagues (staff meetings? Health teacher? School based health center? Community resources?) Post images of positive sexuality? List of local resources? What resources to you have to facilitate parent/child communication?

By collaborating with parents, health educators, curriculum specialists, and other stakeholders You can provide invaluable support in developing and implementing the sexuality education that young people in Virginia deserve

Kelsey Van Nice State Strategy Coordinator kvannice@siecus.org Thank You! Kelsey Van Nice State Strategy Coordinator kvannice@siecus.org www.siecus.org