Governor Pritzker signed Public Act 102-522 (S.B 818) into law on August 20, 2021. The law named the “New Comprehensive Personal Health and Safety and Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Requirements Law” includes 15 mandates for all comprehensive sexual education programs. The law only affects sexual education programs. Currently, Valley View School District teaches comprehensive sexual education during 8th and 9th grade health education courses.
In elementary schools, 4th and 5th grade students have the opportunity to learn about puberty and hygiene. Some of the topics which are included in these discussions are: growth and development, hygiene, menstruation, nocturnal emissions, social and emotional changes, nutritional needs, and respecting self and others. These topics are discussed with children so they can feel secure in their understanding of the new feelings. These include; peer relationships, social concerns and pressures and the changes their bodies are experiencing that will launch them into adolescence and young adulthood. Information is presented by the school nurses.
At the conclusion of the program, students are reminded that:
- They need to have conversations about the topics covered with their parents or another trusted adult.
- They need to be cautious with information they get from peers, the internet, and other sources until they can verify the accuracy.
- They should be aware that discussions about puberty and hygiene are important even though they are private and personal.
- They are equipped with new knowledge that they should use in respectful ways.
Prior to the sessions at each individual building, parents will be notified and have the opportunity to learn more specific information about the program and opt out if preferred.
Valley View School District is in the process of evaluating the implications of the new law on the current curricula. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is currently reviewing the new law, the Illinois Health Standards and the National Sexual Education Standards. Guidance on the new law is due no later than August 2022.
If it is determined that changes to the curricula will be needed, the work will be done through a committee and with full transparency to the public.
