We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who participated in our recent survey! Your insights are crucial in helping us improve our sexual health education training programs at Texas is Ready.

We’re excited to announce that 10 lucky respondents have each won a $50 gift card! Your feedback on training content, format, timing, and support will directly influence how we shape future teacher training to better meet your needs.

Once again, congratulations to all the winners, and thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. Stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved, and keep an eye out for upcoming surveys!

Best,

The Texas is Ready Team

The 89th Texas Legislature will convene on Tuesday, January 14, and run through June 2. Throughout the session, Healthy Futures will advocate for policies that ensure Texas youth have the information and services they need for a lifetime of sexual health.

Here are a few key bills that could impact sexual health education:

• Students on SHACs: Healthy Futures supports legislation to require school districts to include a student seat on School Health Advisory Councils (SHACs), giving young people a voice in shaping school health policies.
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• Opt-In Policies: Several bills aim to reinstate the opt-in requirement for sexual health education, which was previously allowed to expire. Under current law, parents must still give written consent for abuse prevention instruction, but not for sex education. Opt-in policies can lead to students missing out on critical information simply because paperwork is overlooked.
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• “Don’t Say Gay” Bills: New bills propose banning instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.
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• Menstrual Education: HB 887 would require the State Board of Education to create resources on endometriosis and menstrual disorders, while HB 550 would ensure schools provide menstrual products to students.

Stay tuned as we continue to monitor and advocate for these important issues throughout the session.

The issue is particularly pronounced in the Rio Grande Valley, where counties like Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy report teen birth rates that are significantly higher than the state average. In 2023, Texas saw a teen birth rate of 19.4 per 1,000 girls aged 15-19—about 49% higher than the national average. In the Rio Grande Valley, this rate was even higher, at 28.8 per 1,000—more than twice the national rate and 49% above the state average.

We invite you to explore Healthy Futures of Texas' Rio Grande Valley Adolescent Health Fact Sheet for key insights and data on this critical issue. By working together, we can create opportunities for teens to thrive and achieve their full potential.

We’re excited to remind you that our upcoming webinar with Celena Ponce, nonprofit founder, is fast approaching!

Join us on January 29th from 12:00 to 1:00 pm CST for an insightful session focused on best practices for engaging with non-English speaking families, particularly within the Deaf immigrant community.

In this session, Celena will share actionable strategies for educators, administrators, and community members to improve communication and better support families. This is a valuable opportunity to deepen your understanding and make a meaningful impact.

Don’t miss out— register today!

Don't miss the 14th Annual Healthy Futures of Texas Symposium— a must-attend event for educators, school administrators, and professionals in adolescent and women’s sexual and reproductive health. This in-person event will take place in Dallas from April 28-30, 2025, with a day of virtual programming on May 1, 2025.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leading experts, discover valuable resources, and connect with peers dedicated to promoting health and well-being for students across Texas.

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.