Request Your Very Own School District Fact Sheet!

The School District Fact Sheet provides an overview of adolescent sexual health at the school district level. Schools and communities can use it to identify areas of concern, improve adolescent health, and support access to health education and resources.

District Fact Sheet Sample: Houston ISD
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"Texas Sex Education Policy Update" Webinar Recap 

Yesterday, we were joined by Jen Biundo, Senior Director of Policy at Healthy Futures, who delivered an informative webinar that highlighted the most recent policy changes to sex education, including the sunsetting of some parent opt-in requirements, SHAC meeting requirements, and curriculum selection processes that were implemented in the 2021 legislative session. 

Key Takeaways:

  • -Opt-in requirements for sex education are set to expire on August 1, 2024, but do not expire for abuse prevention instruction. 
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  • -During the 2023 legislative session, several laws were proposed, including ones that aimed to make opt-in requirements permanent. However, none were successfully passed.
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  • -There is a possibility that these bills will be reintroduced during the 2025 legislative session that starts in January.

If you have questions regarding sex education policy, please contact [email protected]. 

We are excited to announce that Texas is Ready is planning a 2024-2025 in-person teacher training for school district personnel who provide health education to students.This training is being designed specifically for educators who will be instructing on sexual health topics in middle and high schools across Texas.


Our training program emphasizes a foundation of knowledge necessary to deliver abstinence-plus sexual health education in a non-harmful and non-stigmatizing manner.

Through this program, participants will gain:

Understanding of Abstinence-Plus Sexual Health Education TEKS: Learn about the components of sexual health education TEKS, including abstinence-focused approaches along with essential information on contraception, STIs, consent, and healthy relationships.

Effective Communication Skills: Acquire communication strategies to address sensitive topics with empathy, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity, fostering open and respectful dialogue in the classroom.

Evidence-Based Instructional Methods: Explore evidence-based instructional techniques and curriculum development approaches tailored to diverse student populations, ensuring engaging and impactful classroom experiences.

Addressing Stigma and Bias: Develop skills to challenge stigma and bias related to sexual health, promoting an environment that prioritizes accurate information and positive attitudes towards sexual well-being.
 
If you would like more information about the training or have questions, please email [email protected]. 
2024 West Texas Adolescent Health Conference
Calling all youth-serving professionals and young people in El Paso!
 

Join J.R. Chester and Ana Belén Zelaya at the 2024 West Texas Adolescent Health Conference in El Paso on Tuesday, May 14th! They will be presenting on "School-Based Sex Ed in Texas."

The conference aims to increase professionals' and adolescents' knowledge, skills, and abilities in the El Paso area regarding positive youth development, adolescent-friendly services, adolescent health trends, and prevention efforts. 

Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plz, El Paso, TX 79901

When: Tuesday, May 14th, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm MST

FREE and Hybrid Event. CEUs Available for Social Workers, Counselors, Community Health Workers (CHW/CHWI).

For more information, contact: Lisette Marquez at [email protected]
 
Register!
Inform Future Policy Work!

Are you a Texas clinician, educator, counselor, parent or youth who is passionate about sexual health?

Please take a few minutes to fill out the Healthy Futures stakeholder voices survey, which will help inform future policy work. We want to hear how Texas laws on issues like birth control access and health education impact you or the young people you work with.

Respondents can choose to enter their email address for a chance to win a $50 gift card. 
Survey
Meet the Texas is Ready Team at the HFTX Symposium!

 

Join us for the @HealthyFuturesTX symposium, scheduled from May 6-9, 2024, in Austin! There are ample opportunities for learning, networking, and inspiration on the agenda. More than 250 professionals from diverse backgrounds attend every year, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience. 

Continuing education in multiple disciplines will be provided, and scholarships are available. For more information and to register for the symposium, please visit https://hftx.org/events/symposium/.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for the following events where you can connect with the Texas is Ready team in person:

- Visit us at the Texas is Ready Exhibition Table

- Join us for the "Exploring Misconceptions about the Latinx Community to Shift Harmful Narratives" session on Tuesday, May 7, from 10:00 to 11:00 am

- Don't miss our Poster Session in the Phoenix Ballroom on Tuesday, May 7, from 12:45 to 1:30 pm

- Join the discussion on "Bringing Sex Ed to Your School: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Solutions" session on Tuesday, May 7, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm 

We can't wait to meet you! 
Download Schedule of Events 
Texas is Ready 1:1 Support is Available!
 

Did you know that Texas is Ready provides direct, one-on-one support to school districts, charters, SHACs, and communities?

Submit this form and let us know how we can support you in implementing high-quality sexual health education.

For questions, email [email protected]. 
Healthy Futures of Texas
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2300 W. Commerce St.,
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San Antonio, TX 78207

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