|
Dear Superintendents and Principals,
Thank you for your continued leadership during this unprecedented health crisis. Your resiliency and commitment to focusing on equity and keeping our students healthy, safe and connected in these uncertain times is admirable and I hope you’re all able to take a moment to reflect on everything you’ve accomplished this year.
Background
In 2019, the Oregon Department of Education partnered with Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division Injury and Violence Prevention Program to develop an online mapping tool to help communities in Oregon assess current health and safety indicators related to sexual violence, harassment and bullying. One such indicator is K-12 implementation of sexuality education. Research shows successful implementation of sexuality education equips young people with knowledge and skills that will empower them to realize their own health, well-being and dignity and develop respectful social and sexual relationships. As such, the mapping tool data is used to improve the safety, well-being, and sexual health of our students.
We are partnering with Oregon Health Authority again to update data on the map and ensure it accurately reflects all of the critical work schools and districts are leading across Oregon, as well as identify the areas where schools and districts need support. Completing this 10-minute survey is another crucial way to help keep our students safe.
Please partner with your Health TOSAs, classroom educators and curriculum directors to complete this 10-minute survey. Feel free to forward the link to the appropriate person who has knowledge about your school’s and/or district’s K-12 sexuality education policy and plan of instruction.
"Although we are in unprecedented times, we know that the health and safety of our students is imperative. We must continue with the development of health education to support the social, emotional, mental and physical health of students across Oregon. This includes a comprehensive sexuality education where one component, students learning and understanding of healthy relationships can be a great prevention to sexual violence and unhealthy relationships."
-- Jennifer Kubista, Ed.D. Superintendent, Central SD 13J
Your Participation Gets Noticed
The map has been used in legislative sessions to showcase the importance of allocating funding to support districts in complying with Oregon’s three key laws addressing sexuality education: Human Sexuality Education, Healthy Teen Relationships Act, and Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Education (also known as Erin’s Law). It also earned statewide media attention when it launched in 2019.
Thank you for doing your part in creating a healthy and safe environment for all of our students.
Sincerely,
Colt Gill
Oregon Department of Education Director
|
