Jerome Joint School District No. 261

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION 2320

Health Enhancement

Health, family life and sex education, including information about parts of the body, reproduction and related

topics, shall be included in the instructional program as appropriate to the grade level and course of study. The

instructional approach shall be developed after consultation with parents and other community representatives.

Parents shall be given the opportunity to review the materials to be used and may request that their child be

excluded from sex education class sessions without prejudice. Any parent/legal guardian may have their child

excused from any planned sex education instruction upon filing a written request with the Superintendent or the

Superintendent’s designee, 2340F. The Superintendent or designee shall make a form available for such requests.

Alternative educational activities shall be provided for those excused.

Sex Education

The Board directs that sex education instruction shall include instruction on abstinence. However, it is

recognized that this alone may not prevent pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Therefore, the Board allows for instruction in sex education including STIs, birth control, adoption, and

general human sexuality. In all cases the known facts will be taught, not the opinions or moral judgment of

the instructor. This does not preclude giving impartial viewpoints on both sides of issues such as abortion

or on the use of birth control methods.

Any sex education instruction shall include instruction on:

1. Available adoption resources and current adoption practices in the United States as a means of

providing for the well-being of a child;

2. The Idaho Safe Haven Act, IC 39-8201 et seq.; and

3. Where to find resources and support in the State of Idaho.

The Board believes that instruction on STIs is most effective when integrated into a

comprehensive health education program. Instruction shall be developmentally appropriate to

the grade level of the students and shall occur in a systematic manner. The Board particularly

desires that students receive proper education about STIs before they reach the age when they

may adopt behaviors that increase risk of contracting an STI.

In order for education about STIs to be most effective, the Superintendent shall require that

faculty members who present this instruction receive continuing in-service training that includes

appropriate teaching strategies and techniques.

No sex education materials or instruction may be provided by any individual or organization that

is an abortion provider.

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Education

Students shall receive education regarding the use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. The Superintendent or

designee shall develop a curriculum for use in health education that provides instruction to students in the

areas of prevention; education; treatment; rehabilitation; and legal consequences of alcohol, tobacco, and

drug use.

Legal References Description

IC § 18-8707 Abortion-Related Activities Prohibited in School-Based Health

Clinics and Sex Education Curricula

IC § 33-1605 Health and Physical Fitness – Effects of Alcohol, Tobacco, Stimulants and Narcotics

IC § 33-1608, et seq. Family Life and Sex Education – Legislative Policy

IC § 33-342 Adoption Education

IC § 39-8201 et. seq. Idaho Safe Haven Act

IDAPA 08.02.03.160 Safe Environment and Discipline

Cross Reference:

Code Description

2340 Physical Activity Opportunities and Physical Education

Policy History:

Adopted on: 02/27/2007

Revised on: 02/28/2017

Revised on: 1/28/2025