Yes. We have District policy 6000.1 that indicates HIV/AIDS education be taught from grades 2-12. Furthermore, while young people ages 15-25 make up only one-quarter of the sexually active population, they contract about half of the 19 million sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) annually. This equates to one in four sexually active teenagers contracting sexually transmitted diseases each year. Young people ages 13-29 account for about one-third of the estimated 50,000 new HIV infections each year, the largest share of any age group. Therefore, it is important to educate students about the threat of HIV and how to prevent it. This is done by providing access to current and accurate information, as well as access to a baseline of information that is grounded in the benefits of abstinence and delaying or limiting sexual activity, while ensuring that youth who make the decision to be sexually active have the information they need to take steps to protect themselves.

Through a series of trainings, teachers and administrators are being introduced to the curriculum. Teachers who teach Family Life/Human Sexuality and HIV/AIDS are required to be certified to teach the material. This certification is good for three years and must be renewed every three years. Principals are responsible for ensuring that HIV/AIDS lessons are taught every year in elementary, middle and high schools.

Trainings are offered throughout the school year. For a list of training dates please click on Resources.

The HIV/AIDS curriculum provides age and developmentally appropriate lessons to help children and adolescents understand the nature of HIV/AIDS, methods of transmission and prevention, and ways to support friends or loved ones who may be living with HIV/AIDS. Lessons use strategies that reinforce the importance of communicating with parents/guardians, teachers, and other caring and appropriate adults in their lives. Interactive activities foster communication skills, assertiveness, planning and goal setting, decision making, and setting limits.

All schools have a copy of the HIV/AIDS curriculum. We invite you to review it and communicate any questions, comments, or concerns to school staff. Please note that all children are required by Florida State Statute to receive lessons on the nature of HIV/AIDS and its methods of transmission. Parents have the right to opt their children out of the lessons. We believe that these lessons are age-appropriate and protective, but if you prefer, you have the option to sign the “opt out” letter requesting that your child be removed from the classroom when this topic is being taught. We believe that we cannot fight this epidemic without the assistance of parents. Please click on the link for more information on how to talk to your child about this touchy subject. To view the entire HIV/AIDS Curriculum, please click here.