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Zander_Sarah_20102.13 MB
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Thesis
A review of abstinence only versus comprehensive sex-education curricula: an evaluation of School District of Philadelphia's health education program
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), Drexel University
2010
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-3614
Abstract
Objectives: The objective of this study is to examine the health education curriculum within the School District of Philadelphia in order to better understand what type of sex education, comprehensive or abstinence only, is being taught to high school students in Philadelphia public schools. This is being done to identify gaps in adolescents' reproductive health information as well as to identify room for improvement in the health education curriculum, as related to health outcomes for these students. Methods: This study consists of three levels of review: federal, state, and local. First, the study matches the national standards for a successful health education program within a school setting to the Philadelphia health education curriculum. Second, Pennsylvania state legislation was assessed to determine requirements for local school districts and students. Third, the study reviews School District of Philadelphia's standards for health education curricula as well as student participation guidelines. Results: While the School District of Philadelphia as a whole scored well on the CDC standards assessment for health education, the health education program lacks consistency from school to school. Each school utilizes a different curriculum based primarily on teacher selection and individual school budget. Throughout high school, relative to other coursework, limited time is spent on health education. Conclusions: The key role of sex education in the school setting has been to delay the initiation of sexual activity1. This focus should shift to emphasizing functional health information, shaping personal values that support healthy behaviors and healthy lifestyles, and to develop essential health skills that are necessary to adopt, practice, and maintain health-enhancing behaviors.
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Details
- Title
- A review of abstinence only versus comprehensive sex-education curricula
- Creators
- Sarah Zander - DU
- Contributors
- Stephen Lankenau (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Public Health (2002-2015); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 3614; 991014632675604721