ERIC Number: EJ1306876
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Sep
Pages: 4
Abstractor: ERIC
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ISSN: ISSN-0164-775X
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Positioning School Psychologists as Advocates for Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Schools
Maras, Elly Q.; Thomas, Mark; Burkart, Chase
Communique, v50 n1 p1, 31-33 Sep 2021
No other facet of curriculum has stoked as much debate in schools across the United States as sexuality education (Corngold, 2013). However, it is now the widely held consensus that some form of sexuality education should be implemented in public schools. The "Professional Standards of the National Association of School Psychologists" (NASP, 2020) illustrate several foundational beliefs that position school psychologists as advocates for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE). With a distinctive background woven from child development, education, and psychology, school psychologists are called to integrate knowledge of evidence-based practices, current research, and central theories to support students' academic, behavioral, emotional, and social well-being. This notion should be broadened through recognizing how overall student well-being includes sexual health and development. By providing students with more accurate education and promoting responsible decision making around sex, as well as connecting students to health care services, school psychologists can shift the paradigm of negative stigma around adolescent sex into a more sex-positive outlook in schools.
Descriptors: Sex Education, Public Schools, School Psychologists, Role, Well Being, Child Development, Health Behavior, LGBTQ People, Racial Differences, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Pregnancy, Barriers, Comprehensive School Health Education, Advocacy, Resources
National Association of School Psychologists. 4340 East West Highway Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814. Tel: 301-657-0270; Fax: 301-657-0275; e-mail: publications@naspweb.org; Web site: http://www.nasponline.org/publications/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
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Audience: N/A
Language: English
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