ODE Sexuality Education Newsletter -- February 2022

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Oregon Department of Education - Oregon achieves - together

ODE Sexuality Education Newsletter: February 2022

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ODE Sexuality Education Newsletter 

February 3, 2022 

Dearest colleagues, 

Young person with dark skin and natural hair reaching toward a bookshelf

Black History Month is an opportunity for school communities to invest in intersectional support for Black and African-American students and staff through comprehensive sexuality education. Health education skills offer a platform by which all students can analyze influences to celebrate rich funds of cultural knowledge; practice communication skills such as interrupting identity-based bullying and setting boundaries; and affirm each other across differences in identity through self-awareness and peer advocacy.

Below, we offer some resources for school communities to consider in order to address the impacts of anti-Black racism and nourish healing and well-being for Black students and staff.

Supports for Black Sexuality Educators 

Sex Ed & Racial Justice - Classroom Resources 

Sex Ed & Racial Justice - Professional Development Resources 

In this newsletter, we will share with you some announcements, research, resources, and opportunities for training by ODE, as well as other offerings by statewide and national colleagues that may be of interest to you. 

Header photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash, Newberg, OR

Black History Month photo by Suad Kamardeen on Unsplash


Sex Ed News & Resources

Teaching inclusive sexuality education is a critical piece in our equity work and we know this work cannot happen overnight. ODE is committed to supporting school districts with implementing Oregon Human Sexuality Education (OAR 581-022-2050), which requires the use of "inclusive materials, language, and strategies that recognizes different sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expression" that must also be "culturally inclusive." Our collective goal is for all students to feel safe, seen, heard, and valued. 

Please see below for related news and resources that may be relevant as you consider how to implement K-12 comprehensive sexuality education. 

News Stories

Resources


Sex Ed Data & Research

We have an important responsibility to health and sexuality education by reflecting the lived experiences of students, staff and school communities in Oregon and in the United States. Below, please find some local and national research and data that tell the stories of young people, especially as it pertains to experiences within educational environments.

LGBTQ2SIA+ Data & Research


Upcoming Events, Training & Conference Opportunities

All trainings are listed in Pacific Time zone unless otherwise noted. Opportunities are free unless otherwise noted. 

Note: Unless hosted or facilitated by The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), these training opportunities have not been endorsed by ODE, but are being shared as relevant opportunities for sexuality education professionals to consider.


Arts Education and Well-Rounded Education at ODE

Well-Rounded Access Program (WRAP)

Well-Rounded Access Program 

In October 2020, Oregon received a five-year, $9.8 million grant to expand access to well-rounded education courses in STEAM, arts integration, and the arts. ODE has created a newsletter to inform the community with updates from this grant work. If you would like updates on the Well-Rounded Access Program (WRAP) grant, as well as resources about STEAM and arts integration, sign up for the Well-Rounded Access Program Listserv.

Yellow colored pencil making a lighthouse spotlight on a blue background

Arts Education Connections Newsletter

The Oregon Department of Education’s January Arts Education Connections newsletter is focused on making connections through arts education. Shannon Johnson, ODE’s new Arts Education Specialist, creates this space to share relevant resources, opportunities, and WRAP grant updates in order to increase access to the arts for every student in Oregon.

Sign up for the ODE Arts Education Listserv to connect.

Photo by Tamanna Rumee on Unsplash


Grants, Job Openings, and Youth Opportunities

ODE Logo

Job Opening: Menstrual Dignity Act Analyst (Part-time)

The Menstrual Dignity Act (HB 3294, 2021) created the requirement for school districts to provide free menstrual products for all menstruating students in public schools in Oregon, including elementary, middle, and high school students. This legislation created the Menstrual Dignity for Students Program in order to address an unmet need identified by students, school leaders, and medical and public health professionals over many years. The program helps students participate actively in classes and school activities by alleviating some of the economic strain and experiences of shame that are often barriers for menstruating students accessing their education.

The Menstrual Dignity Act Analyst (part-time) will administer all aspects of this program. On a regular basis this person will develop, administer, and evaluate program procedures to meet the goals of the Menstrual Dignity Act and work collaboratively with staff all across the agency to disburse funds and administer grants funded through the Menstrual Dignity Act. They will also engage with partners from local agencies, community organizations, and various schools. To apply or learn more, visit the Oregon Workday job listing, application deadline is 2/6/2022.

Apply here

 

US Dept of Ed logo

Funding Opportunity: U.S. Department of Education Will Award $5 Million to Support Parents and Families Informing Student Development and Academic Recovery

“Parents’ voices are critical to the success of our education system. They are our children’s first, and most influential teachers,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. The program will award $5 million in grants that will provide financial support to organizations that offer technical assistance and training to state educational agencies and school districts in the implementation of effective family engagement policies, programs, and activities that lead to improvements in student development and academic achievement. Learn more on the U.S. Department of Education website. Applications for the second round of funding will be due on February 17, 2022.

 

NAYA Family Center Logo

Job Openings: NAYA PDX

The Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) in Portland is hiring 3 positions related to violence prevention and education. Please see below for more information on how to apply


Oregon Open Learning: OER Black History Month Resources

Screenshot of ISKME Black History Month Curation Project on OER

ISKME’s Black History Month Curation Project: Black History Month is an important opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the genius and joy of Black historical figures who shape our world. ISKME’s OER librarians are curating relevant resources in this area, and seeking to connect with educators interested in sharing lesson or unit plans that feature Black historical figures, from across different content areas, through using or adapting a lesson plan template on OER Commons. Read more about this project sponsored by ISKME and details about submitting a resource by February 21, with an opportunity to win a gift card that supports Black-owned businesses. 

Do you still have questions about Oregon Open Learning? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) resource or email OregonOpenLearning@ode.oregon.gov.


Newsletter Submission Process

We welcome your submissions to ODE's Sexuality Education ListServ! If you have announcements, job postings, or general questions for your colleagues, you can submit them to ode.sexed@ode.oregon.gov.

In an effort to streamline our newsletter, we are now planning to send out our newsletter twice a month, during the first week and again mid-month. To accommodate this change and to ensure that we can equitably share announcements from everyone, we're now asking that you submit your Listserv posts no later than the 25th of each month, for inclusion and consideration in the following month (e.g. submit October 25 for November newsletters). 

Questions? Connections?

Please reach out to us at ode.sexed@ode.oregon.gov.

Did someone forward you this newsletter? Want to stay connected with sexuality education at the Oregon Department of Education? Visit our website or subscribe to the ODE Sexuality Education ListServ today!