1. State Strategy Coordinator
Sex Ed in Virginia: State Law, School Policies, & Talking with Young People
Kelsey Van Nice
State Strategy Coordinator
Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS)

2. SIECUS educates, advocates, and informs.

3. Objectives
Describe current laws and policies regarding sexuality education in Virginia
Identify new strategies for talking with young people about sexuality

4. Sexuality Education in Virginia
What I think I know…
VA schools are NOT required to teach sex ed
However, decisions are left to local school boards
Programs must meet or exceed the requirements of the State Board of Education

5. Talking to Young People about Sexuality
LISTEN
Know the policies of your school district
Uphold confidentiality
Be respectful and understanding of your diverse population
Promote parent/child communication
Pregnant or parenting teens, LGBTQ youth, Sexual assault survivors, HIV-positive youth, Racial or ethnic minority youth
Talk to your colleagues (staff meetings? Health teacher? School based health center? Community resources?)
Post images of positive sexuality? List of local resources?
What resources to you have to facilitate parent/child communication?

6. By collaborating with parents, health educators, curriculum specialists, and other stakeholders
You can provide invaluable support in developing and implementing the sexuality education that young people in Virginia deserve

7. Kelsey Van Nice State Strategy Coordinator kvannice@siecus.org
Thank You!
Kelsey Van Nice
State Strategy Coordinator