 ODE Sexuality Education Newsletter
November 20, 2024
Dear Colleagues,
Students and educators in Oregon, along with those in the rest of the nation, are experiencing a time of change– a literal change in seasons, and changes in national, state, and local leadership. These changes have had and will continue to have a deep impact on our students and communities. During this time, our commitment to student safety, inclusivity, and well-being remains the same.
In the last couple of weeks, there have been marked increases in LGBTQ+ youth calls to mental health crisis lines and a surge of online abuse against women and girls, among many indicators of decreased safety and well-being for many students and communities that have been historically and currently marginalized. Educators, school nurses, school counselors, and all staff within schools support students through times of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Below are some resources for violence prevention and response, which may provide guidance to school staff as they navigate these challenges:
This newsletter provides more information on creating safer and more inclusive school communities for students.
Header photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash, Newberg, OR
Section photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
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ODE Updates & Opportunities
National Native American Heritage Month and Tribal History/Shared History
The month of November is National Native American Heritage Month. During this month and every month, the Oregon Department of Education celebrates Indigenous knowledge, culture, heritage, and language. As educators and students reflect on President Biden and Secretary Deb Haaland’s recent acknowledgement of the devastating impacts of Indian Boarding Schools , we are reminded of the importance of ODE’s work to support American Indian and Alaska Native students through initiatives such as Tribal History/Shared History.
Resources:
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The ODE Tribal History/Shared History website provides materials for 4th, 8th, and 10th grades, aligned with state standards, including Health Standards. For example, 8th grade lessons on Cultural Bias and Appropriation can meet many Health Standards and Transformative Social and Emotional Learning standards. The website also includes professional learning modules and opportunities.
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Interest Survey: Oregon Teacher Training Institute (OTTI) Sex Ed Professional Learning Opportunity
The OTTI team is planning its OTTI K-12 Sexuality Education professional development course for 2025. OTTI offers a full-day, in-person K-12 professional learning for educators and administrators to deliver comprehensive sexuality education as part of health instruction, focusing on healthy relationships, social emotional learning, child abuse prevention education, and healthy sexuality throughout the lifespan.
The course introduces participants to core knowledge and skills required for teaching sexuality education, including how to answer difficult questions, how to use curriculum, and how to create inclusive learning environments for all students. OTTI workshops are delivered in partnership with Oregon Department of Human Services, Oregon Health Authority, and other local partners.
Interested in having an OTTI Sex Ed Training in your area in 2025?
Please fill out this survey
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Released: State Board Adopted Health Education Instructional Materials
The State Board of Education has adopted new Instructional Materials for Health Education. These resources have been released on the Instructional Materials website and meet the requirements of the 2023 Health Instructional Materials Evaluation Tool (IMET). For information on instructional materials, please contact ODE.instructionalmaterials@ode.oregon.gov.
Update: Menstrual Dignity Grants 2024-25
The Menstrual Dignity program budget has been released for the 2024-25 school year. Grant amendments will be going out in the coming weeks with the new amount. The 2024-2025 funding calculator reflects the maximum funding ceiling designated for your district, charter school, or ESD and can be used for planning purposes.
For more information on how the distribution process works, see page 21 of the Menstrual Dignity for Students Toolkit.
Photo by Natracare on Unsplash
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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 for Educators
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LGBTQ Crisis Line Reports Nearly 200% Increase in Election-Related Calls From Queer and Trans Youth, Teen Vogue, November 2024
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At Long Last, the Surge in S.T.I.s May Be Leveling Off, November, New York Times
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What Could RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary Mean for School Vaccine Requirements?, EdWeek, November 2024
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Nex Benedict's District Was 'Indifferent to Students' Civil Rights,' Feds Find, EdWeek, November 2024
- Rhode Island and California get an A in Sex Ed: See how other states stack up in new study, November 2024, KTVZ
Resources for Educators
Resources for Transgender Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Remembrance
Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance and Resilience, a day to remember and honor transgender people whose lives were taken by violence. It is also a day of strength and resilience– and an opportunity to create more safe and inclusive school spaces where every student belongs and violence is prevented.
Upcoming Events, Training & Conference Opportunities for Educators
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.
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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