Grant Schools - Frequently Asked Questions
- How many schools use the curriculum?
- Is there a cost for the program?
- How do I register for a teacher training conference?
- Are parent permission slips required?
- Why must a pre- and post-survey be administered to each student?
- Does it matter when the 8th grade presentation is scheduled?
- Do I have to teach about contraception?
- Do you recommend separating boys and girls when teaching the curriculum?
- Why not teach about "safe sex?"
- How effective is this program?
1. How many schools use the curriculum?
The curriculum is currently being implemented by the UT Health Science Center SEP in over 85 campuses in 24 school districts in and around Bexar County.
2. Is there a cost for the program?
Schools covered under a grant will incur some incidental costs (e.g., meal tickets, travel, substitutes). Please call the program for details.
3. How do I register for a teacher training conference?
Registration forms are provided to all district and campus contacts. You may also call our office (210) 567-7036 to have a registration form faxed to you or
download one from the Web site.
4. Are parent permission slips required?
Our granting agencies do require that each student have a signed parent permission slip on file at the school before being administered the survey.
5. Why must a pre- and post-survey be administered to each student?
Data collection is an extremely important part of our program and is required for funding by grant agencies. Data is used to support the effectiveness of abstinence programs and obtain future funding.
6. Does it matter when the 8th grade presentation is scheduled?
The 8th grade presentation can be scheduled anytime during the teaching of the two-week curriculum.
7. Do I have to teach about contraception?
Yes, in upper grades contraception is discussed in the curriculum by describing the mechanism of action, failure rates and effectiveness regarding STDs.
8. Do you recommend separating boys and girls when teaching the curriculum?
Our experience shows that teaching them together promotes better communication between the boys and girls.
9. Why not teach about "safe sex?"
We do not want to give the incorrect message that if kids just use a condom, it will be "safe sex" and protect them from STDs and pregnancy. Teens must understand that condoms have the highest failure rate of any birth control method. Condoms have been proven to greatly reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS if used correctly every time, provide some limited protection from STDs such as herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, but provide little to no protection from HPV. While sexually active adolescents should use a condom to decrease risks (but definitely not eliminate their risks), they should NOT get the false message that this is "safe sex." (NIH Scientific Panel, July 2001, click here for NIH report).
10. How effective is this program?
Data collected by our program shows a statistically significant knowledge gain and change in attitude moving towards abstinence.