 ODE Sexuality Education Newsletter
May 4, 2023
Dearest colleagues,
Since 2009, Oregon has proudly called May “Youth Sexual Health Month”– representing an intentional shift away from what was previously known as “Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month”. Oregon recognizes that improving young people’s lives and the communities around them requires a holistic approach beyond pregnancy and STI prevention. Every May, Oregon reaffirms that to truly help students thrive, it’s not just about telling them what not to do, it’s also about empowering students with information and resources needed to make decisions about their bodies, health, relationships, and future. Developing student agency not only works to prevent unintended pregnancies and STIs, but it also supports students in other aspects of their lives, too. Oregon Youth Sexual Health Month reminds us that youth deserve comprehensive sexuality education.
Nationally, May is also recognized as Sex Ed for All Month. In a time marked by a decrease in youth accessing sexual and reproductive services alongside increases in teen dating violence, it is critical to elevate comprehensive sexuality education as part of every person’s human right to health services and information.
In this newsletter, we share 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
Section photo by the Sex Education Collaborative
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ODE Updates
Sex Ed for All Month Roundtable
Join ODE staff and Lane County Public Health for “Sex Ed for All Month” Roundtable. In this hour, participants will learn about sexuality education in Oregon, why it’s so important for students, and what instruction challenges & opportunities educators are experiencing. Join us for conversations, connections, and Q&A, on Tuesday, May 16 from 3:30-4:30.This event is reserved for school staff only. Please register with your school email address.
Sex Ed News & Resources for Educators
ODE is committed to supporting school districts with implementing Oregon Human Sexuality Education (OAR 581-022-2050). Please see below for related news and resources for K-12 educators.
Research & News Articles for Educators
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Role of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sexual Behaviors and Receipt of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Among U.S. High School Students, Youth Risk Behavior Survey, CDC, April 28, 2023
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School Connectedness and Risk Behaviors and Experiences Among High School Students, Youth Risk Behavior Survey, CDC, April 28, 2023
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Oregon House passes sweeping bill to guarantee access to abortion, gender-affirming care, Oregon Capitol Chronicle, May 2, 2023
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Book Bans and Divisive Concepts Laws Will Hold U.S. Students Back, Secretary Cardona Says, Education Week, April 27, 2023
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Oregon announces it will stockpile abortion drug, Oregon Capitol Chronicle, April 20, 2023
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Syphilis rates are exploding among women, Vox News, April 20, 2023
Resources for Oregon Youth Sexual Health Month/Sex Ed for All Month
Resources for Menstrual Hygiene Day
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Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023, global events and other resources.
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How Judy Blume Redefined Girlhood, Smithsonian Magazine, April 28, 2023
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Puberty & Menstrual Health Education: The Role of Teachers, recorded webinar, Columbia University, April 18, 2023
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What we still don’t know about periods, The New Yorker, April 12, 2023
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This is the period talk you should've gotten, NPR, March 28, 2023
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Upcoming Events, Training & Conference Opportunities for Educator
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 education professionals to consider.
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May 4, 3:30-5pm PST - ODHS My Future-My Choice Spring Sexuality Education Workshop Series
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May 9, 3:30- 5:30pm PST- Skills-based Health Education Training, for secondary health teachers to review the foundations of skills-based health education and health literacy, using Oregon Healthy Teens data points and Oregon Health Education Standards, by Cairn Guidance.
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May 16, 3:30- 4:30pm PST- Sex Ed for All Month Roundtable, Oregon Department of Education and Lane County Public Health
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June and July, 2023- Comprehensive Prevention Training, Oregon Sexual Assault Task Force (SATF)
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December 5-8- National Sex Ed Conference, Atlantic City, NJ. Accepting conference proposals until May 15.
Volunteer Opportunities
Youth Opportunity
The Oregon State Board of Education and the Oregon Department of Education encourage incoming high school seniors to apply for a one-year appointment as either a Student Advisor to the Board or a Student Rule Advisor. These appointments begin August 2023 and end July 2024. To qualify, students must be current high school juniors (seniors during the 2023-24 school year) with strong leadership qualities and the ability to deliberate policy issues.
The Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander Student Success Advisory Group
The Oregon Department of Education’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is excited to share the Letter of Interest for the new Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander Student Success Advisory Group. The Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander Student Success Advisory Group will support the development and implementation of the Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander Student Success Plan. We are looking for up to 20 members to join the new Advisory Group to serve 2-year terms starting in June 2023.
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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!
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