Parent Notification On Human Growth and Development (HGD)
Wisconsin Statute 118.019 encourages school districts to provide a developmentally appropriate human growth and development (HGD) instructional program in grades kindergarten to 12 to promote accurate and comprehensive knowledge and responsible decision making. The statute specifically identifies instructional topics, including self-esteem, responsible decision making, and personal responsibility; interpersonal relationships; discouragement of adolescent sexual activity, family life, and skills required of a parent; human sexuality; reproduction; family planning as defined in Wis. Stat. 253.07 (1) (a), including natural family planning; human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS); prenatal development, childbirth; adoption; available prenatal and postnatal support; and male and female responsibility; marriage and parental responsibility; and sex stereotypes and protective behavior. In addition, Wisconsin Act 445 mandates instruction to present abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred choice of behavior in relationship to all sexual activity for unmarried pupils and to emphasize that abstinence from sexual activity before marriage is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS. The statute requires the school board on an annual basis provide parents of each pupil enrolled in the school district with an outline of the human growth and development curriculum used in the pupil’s grade level and information regarding how the parent may inspect the complete curricululm and instructional materials. In addition, the curriculum and instructional materials must be made available for inspection at any time upon request. Students can be exempted from HGD instruction if the student’s parent files a written request with the teacher or school principal. Exempted students will receive instruction described ins 1118.01(2)(d), 2c, and 8 of thed state statutes, which includes physiology, hygiene, sanitiation, and the effects of contolled substances as well as abuse.
The Marshall School District is committed to human growth and development (HGD) instruction. During the 2006-2007 school year, the Human Growth and Development Advisory Council was formed to develop a curriculum on human growth and development for grades PK-12. That council will meet on a continuous basis to approve and reevaluate the HGD curriculum. The HGD curriculum is the outgrowth of a continuing interest in providing current and accurate HGD information designed to meet the present needs of students.
Parents who desire additional information on the HGD curriculum and would like to view the curriculum and other instructional materials prior to instruction may do so by contacting the building principal. Parents may exempt their child from all or part of this unit of instruction by filing a written request for exemption with the building principal or classroom teacher. Appropriate alternative learning experiences will be provided.
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