Teaching About AIDS

Abstract:
This article addresses the need for effective AIDS education, stating that if schools do not commit the time and effort to teach about AIDS properly, 'some researchers conclude that they might as well not teach about it at all.' In 1995, although more than 86% of high school students said they had ever received some sort of AIDS education, only 5% said their instruction was comprehensive. The article reprints Douglas Kirby's nine "Characteristics of Effective AIDS Education Curricula" and discusses the importance of curricula that enhance skills as well as knowledge. Kirby emphasizes that sexuality education does not cause young people to become sexually active. Condom availability programs are discussed, although the results of the 1997 New York-Chicago study were not yet available at the time the study was referenced in the article. Other sections of the article address abstinence-only curricula, barriers to successful programs (such as funding and time constraints, teacher attrition, and lack of parental involvement), and techniques for reaching gay students. The article concludes by quoting researchers who note that most programs are moving toward the proven, effective methods of AIDS education--but that only programs that address poverty, attempt to prevent school failure, and provide job training will have a sustainable impact.

Author(s): PORTNER, Jessica

Publication: Education Week


Date Published: 2/5/1997

Pages: 3

Location Code: 9115