Human Growth and Development (HGD) Curriculum/Instruction Guidelines

 for the Monona Grove School District (MGSD)

The instruction of students in sensitive issues is a partnership.  The school’s role is to provide accurate information; the parent’s role is to share, explain and infuse family beliefs and values. 

1)                  The Monona Grove School District will appoint an advisory council composed of parents, teachers, administrators, students, health care professionals and other members of the school district as recommended by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

2)                  The role of the MGSD Health Advisory Council will be to review and advise on HGD curriculum and related concerns as addressed during regularly scheduled Council meetings.

3)                  The Council will review the HGD curriculum at least every three years as required by DPI.

4)                  HGD curriculum will be shared with parents at each grade level; parents will be informed as to how they can review the complete HGD curriculum and instructional materials, which will be available upon request at any time prior to or during their use in the classroom.

5)                  Parents may elect by written request that their student(s) not participate in all or part of the HGD program. Alternative lessons deemed suitable by parent and teacher must be completed by any student opting out of the HGD unit(s).

6)                  The HGD program of the MGSD is, as required, an abstinence-based curriculum.  The following content is endorsed:

·        All HGD curriculums will promote abstinence.

·        MGSD’s specialists such as the registered nurse and community health professionals will assist with instruction in appropriate areas such as sexually transmitted infections, contraception and others as requested or determined by the teachers and Advisory Council.

·        The inclusion of contraception is consistent with an abstinence-based program and will convey the message that the only 100% effective method of birth control is abstinence.

·        The delivery of HGD information will be based on an age and developmentally appropriate curriculum. 

·        HGD information will include topics as endorsed by the MGSD Health Advisory Council and the MGSD Curriculum Committee such as:

sexually transmitted infections and modes of transmission,

unintended/untimely pregnancies,

sexual orientation and discrimination,

legal issues including abortion, date rape, sexual assault, and others

(Current course content by grade level is available from health teachers, is on file in school libraries and is on the District web page).

·        Delivery of HGD information will include accurate definitions and norms as indicated by such documents as the Dane County Youth Survey and DPI’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The focus of course information will be responsible decision-making to help students meet life goals. 

·        Students will be encouraged to talk to and share class information with their parents/guardians in order to explore and develop values and beliefs in accordance with their family belief system. Students will be referred to family discussion for select topics not appropriate for class discussion.

MGSD School Board Approved 9/13/06