The Oregon Department of Education is seeking information from organizations to develop new standards in Culturally Relevant Sexuality Education and Social Science lessons and materials for K-5 educators. The request includes the availability of curriculum writers and designers to create lessons, units, and curriculum materials and/or associated professional development materials aligned to Oregon education standards in human sexuality, ethnic studies, or both. The Request for Information (RFI) asks for a brief 1-page summary of an organization’s expertise and capacity to complete an upcoming grant-funded opportunity in alignment with Oregon laws and standards.

The State Board of Education’s policy and priority of the Oregon Department of Education is that there must be no discrimination or harassment on the grounds of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability in any educational programs, activities or employment.

Comprehensive sexuality education includes instruction on sexual violence prevention, child abuse prevention, STI prevention, and unintended pregnancy prevention alongside abstinence. Comprehensive sexuality education refers to sexuality as a natural and healthy component of human development and does not shame students who may have already had sexual experiences. Although abstinence can be taught as a healthy and safe option, it cannot be taught at the exclusion of other content areas that support young people with information on healthy sexuality and relationships.

Ethnic studies includes a series of culturally relevant and inclusive lessons guiding students to explore the identities, contributions, histories, and perspectives of traditionally marginalized groups.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Oregon’s ethnic studies that is aimed at students in kindergarten through grade 12 refers to the histories, perspectives, and contributions of ethnic and social minorities. “Social minorities” means women, people with disabilities, immigrants, refugees and individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. The purpose of instruction is to increase cultural competency for public school students and promote critical thinking regarding the interaction between systemic social structures and ethnic minority or social minority status.

This curriculum must align with the Oregon’s Health Education Standard including a comprehensive sexuality education. With the passage of HB 2002, identity and unintended pregnancy is sure to be incorporated.

The RFI is open for submissions until July 21 at 5:00pm.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-07-11 23:09:37

Last Update: 2023-07-12 10:26:51