Approved Curricula/Programs
EPISD is dedicated to ensuring that all students in 6th-8th grade receive health education. The goal of health education
is to develop health-literate youth who understand basic health concepts. A growth and maturity unit is taught to 6th
grade students within their comprehensive health class. All middle schools are required to implement a human
sexuality unit in 7th and 8th grade grade during the students' physical education class.
Middle school campuses have the option of choosing from three approved curricula. Campuses may enhance their health
instruction at any time by utilizing the approved supplemental programs listed below. Parent permission slips are
required each school year for participation in the human sexuality instruction.
Approved Curricula
EPISD Human Sexuality units: The EPISD curriculum was created with the use of the state adopted textbook - Teen Health, Glencoe MacMillan McGraw Hill Co. During the 3-week unit of instruction, 6th grade students will learn about growth and development (puberty, heredity and growth) and understanding STD's (symptoms, treatment and prevention). During the 3-week unit of instruction, 7th grade students will learn growth and development (endocrine and reproductive system, and human development) and understand communicable and noncommunicable diseases (diseases and STD's). The 8th grade unit consists of a 9-day instruction that covers topics such as body systems (endocrine and reproductive system), growth and development (beginning of life, heredity, and stages of development), and communicable diseases (STD's and infections).
Big Decisions: This abstinence-plus curriculum contains ten lessons, plus a parent session, which discusses topics such as anatomy and reproduction, relationships, sexually transmitted diseases, abstinence and contraceptives, goals
and dreams, influences, and the power to say "no". The parent sessions contains information on how to help children
make healthy decisions about sex, teaches five steps to use when talking to their children about sex, and allows parents
a chance to view the curriculum. http://www.bigdecisions.org
(Contact- Sandra Rodriguez, Health Educator, (915) 351-1401)
Choices: Two Should Know: This abstinence-based curriculum discusses love, loyalty, and friendships. The five-component program acknowledges parents as the teachers of values, discusses sexual health,
sexually transmitted diseases, sexual violence, and abstinence. http://www.elpasotexas.gov/health/education.asp
(Contact- Michelle Fournier, Training Specialist, (915) 771-5885)
Approved Supplemental Programs
No Means NO: was created to empower teen-aged youth through a one-time workshop discussing the legal ramifications
of sexual assault, dating violence, improper cell phone use and other related crimes. No Means NO, addresses how not to become a victim but also, how not to become a perpetrator, and provides the necessary tools to have healthy responsible relationships now and in the future. http://www.nomeansno-ep.org/
(Contact- Rose Alvelais, Program Manager, RAlvelais@cafv.org)
Power 2 Wait: This abstinence-centered teen pregnancy prevention program is designed to offer guidance to school
districts, communities, and parents to reduce the need for future family planning services for unwed minors.
Power2wait offers free tool kits for school districts and community groups with interactive CD-ROM and card games
for grades 4th – 12th to supplement current sex education curricula. Furnished by the Texas Department of State
Health Services. www.power2wait.com
Power 2 Talk: This interactive website targets parents to talk to their kids about sex with the power2talk.org and poderdehablar.org websites. These websites assist parents in communication with their child. Both sites link into the sister site for students, power2wait.com, which features interactive learning video games for students' grades 2nd – 12th. http://power2talk.org/
The El Paso ISD does not discriminate in its educational programs or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Inquiries concerning the application of Titles VI, VII, IX and Section 504 may be referred to the district compliance officer, Vincent Sheffield, at 881-2619; Section 504 inquiries regarding students may be referred to Cecilia Whiteman at 881-2527.
