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Identifying the Inclusion of National Sexuality Education Standards Utilizing a Systematic Analysis of Teen Dating Violence Prevention Curriculum
Author(s) -
Wilson Kelly L.,
Szucs Leigh E.,
Shipley Meagan,
Fehr Sara K.,
McNeill Elisa B.,
Wiley David C.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/josh.12718
Subject(s) - curriculum , inclusion (mineral) , human sexuality , medical education , medicine , poison control , reproductive health , psychological intervention , individualized education program , psychology , nursing , pedagogy , special education , social psychology , environmental health , population , sociology , gender studies
BACKGROUND Violent behaviors have devastating impacts on youth and adolescents. National standards offer a framework for age and developmentally appropriate health education expectations. This study provides findings from a systematic review and analysis of teen dating violence (TDV) prevention curricula using National Sexuality Education Standards (NSES) and National Health Education Standards (NHES). METHODS Evidence‐based and/or practice informed interventions for TDV prevention were compiled and analyzed. We used a standardized review instrument to analyze each curriculum (N = 11); each curriculum was reviewed independently and results met inter‐rater agreement requirements. Data were analyzed to determine NSES and NHES inclusion. RESULTS This study provides findings from the TDV prevention curriculum analysis using the NSES. Five NSES topic areas were addressed in the TDV prevention curriculum and included personal safety, healthy relationships, identity, sexually transmitted diseases and human immunodeficieny virus, and pregnancy and reproduction. Personal safety was the most included topic and ranged from 37% to 77%. Healthy relationships were the second most included NSES and ranged from 11% to 53%. Inclusions of NHES skills, as they are embedded within the NSES, are identified. CONCLUSIONS Curricula decision‐makers gain insight by conducting reviews before recommendations are made or the adoption process is complete. The NSES and NHES support expectations for TDV prevention and can guide curricula adoption for a school or district. School professionals should work together to ensure TDV prevention curricula complements sexuality education units. While TDV curricula may cover critical topics, a singular focus on one content area cannot replace comprehensive sexuality education.