SHAC 11/3/21 Agenda Items related to HB1525

   Recordings of meetings starting with 11/3/21 and posted to website

   Posting of Agenda’s at campuses and on campus and district websites

   Human Sexuality & Responsibility (HSR)  Curriculum

The district’s Human Sexuality and Responsibility education program has been established to provide information and skill development for students in 5^th through 9^th/ 12^th  grade,  so that they may reach their highest potential for physical, emotional, mental and social health.

The curriculum content shall be delivered in a developmentally and age-appropriate manner and shall include the most current and scientifically accurate information. Elementary students will receive HSR instruction annually in the Spring,  middle schools and high school students will receive HSR instruction in the final units of their Science Classes, specifically Biology 1 at SMHS.

The National Sexuality Education Standards were used to develop the San Marcos ISD scope and sequence—the topics and timing of lessons—which was  approved by trustees in November  2019. Content shall include information regarding healthy relationships, personal safety, identity, anatomy and physiology, puberty and adolescent development, pregnancy and reproduction, and sexually transmitted diseases and HIV (EHAA Local) and prevention of sexually transmitted .

To ensure that students receive quality HSR instruction, all teachers receive  training on skills and best practices about navigating content and concepts. Prior to HSR program implementation, the community will be provided reasonable written notice of the time and location of the orientation session. The purpose of the session is to detail the process of implementation of the HSR program and the opt-in process.

Families shall have ample opportunity to preview all instructional materials by accessing the publishers websites (links posted on SMCISD website).  Additionally, families can schedule to view teacher resources available by contacting Jennifer Vogel, SHAC Co-Chair, 512-393-6321 or Jennifer.vogel@smcisd.net.

HSR Update: September 2021

During the 87th Texas Legislation, a new bill (HB1525) was adopted regarding the School Health Advisory Council’s (SHAC) responsibilities and additional information regarding Human Sexuality. SMCISD is currently working on ensuring all requirements are being met.  Please see the following bullets:

• In light of changes to Human Sexuality and Responsibility (HSR) requirements emerging from recent legislation and updates to the health education TEKS,  SMCISD is reviewing curriculum, procedures and policies  to include:  
• The revised K-12 Health TEKS that go into effect in school year 2022-2023, have been posted to the SMCISD District website osted  to website after review
• Website requirements for SHAC
• Sexual Health Brief for SMCISD update to address:
• Adding a grievance procedure
• Clarify before school year notification, implementing Spring 2022
• Link to Revised TEKS
• Written Consent (“Opt-In”) English/Spanish
• EHAA Local policy. The revised policy will be posted at__________ link
• A possible need for a  resolution from School Board reviewing the current SMCISD HSR practices in relation to the meeting of the directives of HB1525.  
• The Opt-out letters are being converted to Permission letters and will be incorporated in the SMCISD procedures found in the brief.
• Parents and legal guardians will determine if their child will opt-in for the HSR lessons
• Permission letters will be sent out by principals 2-3 weeks prior to instruction for campus distribution

Resources

• SMCISD  board policy related to Human Sexuality & Responsibility (EHAA)
• SMCISD Sexual Health Responsibilities Brief (Rename the brief to reflective legislative language changes) 

Human Sexuality and Responsibility Beginning of the Year Parent Notification Letter

This letter is a notification letter to advise parents and legal guardians that an age-appropriate human sexuality and responsibility unit focusing on health, safety and well-being will be taught to all San Marcos ISD students. The unit is taught to 4-5^th graders as a Growth and Development, 6-8^th grade Draw the Line, Respect the Line (ETR Publisher) and 9-12^th grade Big Decisions. All are taught in May at the conclusion of standardized testing.  This letter is also a part of every student's registration process.

Family Permission Letters

Parents and legal guardians will receive a Permission Letter at least two weeks before the Human Sexuality and Responsibility instruction begins.  Parents and legal guardians will determine if their child will opt-in to each of the lessons that will be taught. Students who opt-out will be provided with alternative instruction and shall not be punished or embarrassed in any manner for non-participation.  Those interested in viewing the alternate lessons must contact individual schools for more information. Elementary and middle school classroom teachers will be responsible for teaching this unit during the students' science instruction.   High school students will receive instruction from the Biology teacher.  Several community events  will also be conducting an HSR Orientation meeting before instruction begins to review policies, permission letters, and content.