Curriculum for sex education weights age factors

"A Christian Approach to Human Sexuality," published by the Albany Diocese, defines a sex education curriculum that is based on Christian values.

It sets forth specific Catholic teachings on human sexual development for use in Catholic schools and religious education programs.

Maureen Smith, who is the pastoral associate for faith formation and youth ministry at three Washington County parishes -- Our Lady of Good Hope in Whitehall, St. Ann's in Fort Ann and St. Mary's in Granville -- said that "our diocesan curriculum provides a solid, Christian basis for complete faith formation. We incorporate the models with all our age groups."

Age by age

The elementary school program helps students develop a sense of who they are, an awareness of body language, how to act around others, what type of behavior is appropriate and how to respect people as individuals. They also learn the meaning of values like fidelity, integrity and forgiveness.

By the time students reach puberty, their bodies are beginning to change, and their interests expand outward from the self to others. As a result, the curriculum needs to change, she said.

"At this age, it is important for children to find reassurance from parents, catechists and friends about all the uncertainties, questions and concerns that go along with this phase of life," Ms. Smith said. "We concentrate on providing solid information in a Christian, value-based environment."

Retreats

In addition to weekly classroom instruction, middle school students attend four retreats each year where the focus is on relationships and friendships.

"We talk about their personal experiences and appropriate behavior in relationships, whether that relationship is a friendship between two boys or girls or with a member of the opposite sex," she explained.

"We want them to know enough to ask themselves questions like, 'Is this an appropriate relationship for me right now?' and 'How can I relate to this other person; how does he or she relate to me?' and 'What does this relationship say to me about my faith?'"

High school

Ms. Smith said that when students reach high school, the focus on relationships deepens.

"At this age level, we focus on life issues like friendship; long-term relationships, both romantic and otherwise; infatuation; and exploitation," she noted. "The students deal with a lot of 'what if' situations, such as 'Is this relationship I'm in leading to a deeper friendship, a love relationship or perhaps exploitation?'"

She added, "Just as faith formation is a life-long process, so, too, is human sexuality. It does not simply refer to the act of sex. It is a developmental process where we learn who we are."

(9/18/03) [[In-content Ad]]