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Referendum 90

Helpful resources about Washington Referendum 90, the Sex Education in Public Schools Measure (Senate Bill 5395).

Ballotpedia: Washington Referendum 90

Washington Referendum 90, Sex Education in Public Schools Measure (2020)

SB 5395 - Washington State Legislature

The Washington State Legislation Requiring Comprehensive Sexual Health Education in Public Schools

AN ACT Relating to requiring comprehensive sexual health education that is consistent with the Washington state health and physical education K-12 learning standards and that requires affirmative consent curriculum; and amending RCW 28A.300.475.

Passed by the Senate March 7, 2020.Passed by the House March 4, 2020.Approved by the Governor March 27, 2020.Filed in Office of Secretary of State March 27, 2020.

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

Sexual Health Education Requirements in Washington State: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is my district/school required to teach related to sexual health?
  • What does the AIDS Omnibus Act require?
  • Is my district required to use the KNOW curriculum?
  • Is my district required to teach other sexual health content?
  • What is the Healthy Youth Act?
  • What does "sexual health education" include?
  • What is "comprehensive sexual health education"?

Sexual Health Education on CSHE Requirements by Grade Band

  • Remote Learning Considerations
  • New Requirements
  • Sexual Health Education Requirements
  • Instructional Materials Review Reports and Tools
  • Erin’s Law (Sexual Abuse Prevention)

A Guide To Sexual Health Education Implementation in Washington State

Sexual health education (SHE) is a critical component of comprehensive health education that helps students develop knowledge and skills needed to become successful learners and healthy and productive adults. In 2007, the Washington Legislature found that “young people should have the knowledge and skills necessary to build healthy relationships, and to protect themselves from unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection. The primary responsibility for sexual health education is with parents and guardians. However, this responsibility also extends to schools and other community groups. It is in the public's best interest to ensure that young people are equipped with medically and scientifically accurate, age-appropriate information that will help them avoid unintended pregnancies, remain free of sexually transmitted diseases, and make informed, responsible decisions throughout their lives.”

Sexual Health Curricula Reviewed by OSPI

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), in collaboration with the Washington Department of Health, conducts regular reviews of HIV prevention and sexual health instructional materials, both comprehensive and supplemental, to assess their consistency with the AIDS Omnibus Act (RCW 28A.230.070), the 2005 Guidelines for Sexual Health Information and Disease Prevention and the further requirements of the Healthy Youth Act (RCW 28A.300.475). Commonly used titles are reviewed, along with materials under consideration by districts in our state as reported through the School Health Profiles Survey or correspondence with OSPI.

Social and Emotional Learning(SEL)

Social and emotional learning is a process through which individuals build awareness and skills in managing emotions, setting goals, establishing relationships, and making responsible decisions that support success in school and in life.Schools will not be required to use or adopt a curriculum in order to provide social emotional learning.

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