In preparing to launch a new comprehensive sexuality education program in New York City public schools, Planned Parenthood of New York City conducted a number of activities designed to build support and generate buy-in for the program. These activities included: (1) ensuring both district-wide and school-based support among administrators, parents and teachers; (2) developing a strong program planning process that involved all key constituencies; (3) strategically incorporating existing mandates and curricula into the new program; and (4) designing a useful evaluation that placed a low burden on the schools and addressed concerns about asking sensitive questions to younger students. Pre- and post-test evaluation of 113 participants in the planning process revealed that support for comprehensive sexuality education increased over the course of the planning process. Aspects of the planning process contributing to its success include (1) providing a forum for diverse constituents to discuss and explore the sexuality-related concerns in their schools; and (2) creating a sense of ownership in the program by involving participants in key decisions about program design and implementation.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to: (1) describe 4 effective strategies used to build support for new school-based comprehensive sexuality education initiatives; (2) identify ways of measuring the extent to which buy-in has been achieved.
Keywords: Sexual Risk Behavior, School-Based Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Planned Parenthood of New York City
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment