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Abstinence is saying yes to the rest of your life. |
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Please feel free to copy any of this document. It was produced with funds from Title XX through HHS and by the gracious permission of Dr. Onalee McGraw at Educational Guidance Institute. Directive Education Teaching Model Table of ContentsWhat is the Philosophy Behind Directive Abstinence Sexuality Education Programs? What Methodology Is Used in the Directive Abstinence Model? What Elements Are Covered in the Curriculum? How is the Effect of These Programs Measured? Teaching Style for Sex Education There are many family life programs on the market that are defined as "abstinence based." The Prevention in Focus Seminars introduced participants to the theoretical basis for "true" directive abstinence programs. What is the Philosophy Behind Directive Abstinence Sexuality Education Programs?The primary goal of directive sexuality education is the promotion of adolescent sexual health. Strategies are developed to help teenagers, their parents, and community members understand the importance of adolescent premarital sexual abstinence. These strategies address the physical, and psychological, and develop the mental health of adolescents and the general well being of the community. Abstinence sexuality programs further develop character and healthy relationships; strengthen the institutions of marriage and the family in society; and reinforce the authority and responsibility of parents as the primary educators of children. These programs are founded on the premise that young people are capable of demonstrating self-control and discipline in their behavior given the proper guidance and support. Sexuality education programs based on abstinence promote abstaining from sexual activity as the best choice for unmarried adolescents. It views sexuality as a natural and healthy part of life and acknowledges the formation of a sexual identity as an important developmental task of adolescence. These programs are founded on the premise that young people are capable of demonstrating self-control and discipline in their behavior given the proper guidance and support. Abstinence education seeks to assist teens in acquiring a positive view of sexuality. It provides them with information about taking care of their physical and emotional health, and helps them acquire and master skills to make and carry out sound decisions now and in the future. Abstinence sexuality education focuses on informing teenagers about the positive physical and emotional outcomes of delaying sexual activity during their teen years. It enables parents to become primary sex educators of their children by teaching parent/child communication skills. It provides comprehensive information on teenage sexuality and answers questions relating to contraceptives to support abstaining from sexual activity. Abstinence sexuality educationprograms are designed to be offered as part of an overall comprehensive health education program. What Methodology Is Used in the Directive Abstinence Model?Sexuality is a part of life beginning in infancy. The goal of abstinence sexuality education is to be age and developmentally appropriate, respecting the latency period. Generally, boys and girls are taught together, although teachers may choose to introduce certain topics in gender-segregated special classes. Teachers or teen mentors present abstinence as a positive lifestyle for teens, and act as directive role models in leading discussion sand other activities. They communicate in innovative ways that abstinence is the best choice for unmarried adolescents. Abstinence sexuality programs support and enhance the development of high self-esteem, positive decision-making and assertiveness skills. These qualities help young people avoid compromising situations. They are earned through achievement and are developed and nurtured by the love and support of family, religious institutions, and community agencies. Abstinence sexuality programs also take into account that young adolescents (12-15) primarily use concrete reasoning. Therefore, abstinence education programs teach them assertiveness skills and encourage more active parental involvement in decision-making. Older teens are developing the capacity for abstract reasoning. Consequently, parents are taught to give their teen more autonomy while continuing to provide the guidance the teen still needs. Adolescents are taught decision-making skills which take into account respect for family values, and the impact of their choices on their present and future goals. Parents are integral to the program. They should review and use instructional materials and actively participate in program activities. Comprehensive abstinence based programs are designed to influence the behavior of young people, not just to increase their knowledge. What Elements Are Covered in the Curriculum?Abstinence education covers a wide range of issues including sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, and psychological health and development. The curricula are based on important factors associated with postponing sexual activity during the teenage years. They include individual attitudes and values; refusal skills; self-esteem enhancement; assertiveness training; future opportunities in education and occupation; communication between parent and child; and community awareness and support of the abstinence message. Abstaining from sexual activity is the only 100% effective method of preventing sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. However, it is important for teens to receive the correct information from sources such as the Center for Disease Control, on the effectiveness of the contraceptives and condoms in providing protection from STD/HIV and pregnancy. This information is presented within the context of supporting the abstinence message. Adolescents are provided with accurate information on the signs and symptoms of STDs as well as how to obtain diagnosis and treatment if they are sexually active and have an STD. Teens who are already sexually active are given support and encouragement to once again choose sexual abstinence. Abstinence sexuality curriculum provides teens with the skills and values that encourage self-discipline, strong character, and the will to avoid harmful risk taking behaviors such as drug abuse and violence as well as adolescent premarital sexual activity. How is the Effect of These Programs Measured?Comprehensive abstinence programs are designed to influence the values and behavior of young people, not just increase their knowledge. A well designed comprehensive program that is coordinated with parents, other adult and teen mentors, and community services can lead to a significant increase in the number of young people delaying sexual intercourse, a decrease in the number of teens contracting STDs and becoming pregnant, an increase in sexually active teens who choose to return to sexual abstinence, and one improvement in parent/child relationships. The term, directive abstinence, may be new, but the components have been used effectively in other affective education and health behavior modification programs. The following pages may be made into overhead transparencies for public presentation. More information on these contrasting approaches as well as a complete rationale for directive education models may be found in Foundations for Family Life Education, published by the Educational Guidance Institute (540-625-4420). They are reprinted here with permission from Dr. Onalee McGraw, founder and author. Teaching Style for Sex Education
All charts are used by the gracious permission of Dr. Onalee McGraw at Educational Guidance Institute. |
