Human Sexuality & Responsibility

Human Sexuality instruction develops and strengthens the ability of students to make conscious, healthy, and respectful choices regarding dating/romantic relationships, personal safety, anatomy and physiology, puberty and adolescent development, pregnancy and reproduction, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. The district’s Human Sexuality and Responsibility (HSR) education program has been established to provide information and skill development for students in kindergarten through grade 12 so that they may reach their highest potential for physical, emotional, mental and social health.

The HSR curriculum content will be delivered in a developmentally and age-appropriate manner and will include the most current and scientifically accurate information. The content of the curriculum is based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Health Education, with supplemental content established by the National Sex Education Standards that have been approved by the Board.

Content shall include information regarding healthy and unhealthy dating/romantic relationships, online and personal safety (including the prevention of child abuse, family and dating violence and sex trafficking), anatomy and physiology, puberty and adolescent development, pregnancy and reproduction, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. All content shall be inclusive of all students, regardless of gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual experience, pregnancy, parenting status, or family structure. (EHAA Local)

HSR lessons are taught to those students in grades K-12 whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have provided written permission by way of the opt-in or permission letter. This letter is sent home by the student’s campus leadership or classroom teacher.

To ensure that students receive quality HSR instruction, all teachers will receive training on the skills needed for and best practices related to navigating complex concepts and questions. Prior to HSR program implementation, the campus principal shall conduct at least one orientation session scheduled at a convenient time for parents and guardians. Families shall be provided reasonable written notice of the time and location of the orientation session. The purpose of the session is to detail the process of implementation of the HSR program and the permission process.

For questions about curriculum content, please contact the Health Education Curriculum Specialist. For questions about curriculum implementation, please contact your campus principal at theressa.lewis@austinisd.org

While it is NOT required to complete the form to opt-out your child from HSR, the data collected from opt-out is a useful data tool. This will distinguish between true opt-outs and those who forget to complete the form.

We kindly ask that you fill out the appropriate grade level opt-in form by 3:30 pm on April 26th. To ensure that all students are assigned the correct class and to avoid any confusion, the deadline to submit the opt in form will not be extended.