SB 995

Under current law, a school board may offer an instructional program in human

growth and development, and current law recommends, but does not require, that

a school board include certain instructional topics in the instructional program.

Under the bill, school boards must provide an instructional program in human

growth and development (instructional program) in grades kindergarten to 12. The

requirements for the mandatory instructional program are based on the

requirements created in

2009 Wisconsin Act 134

, known as the Healthy Youth Act,

for optional instructional program provided by school boards.

Under the bill, the instructional program must present medically accurate

information to pupils and must, among other things, address the following topics

when age-appropriate:

1. The importance of communication between the pupil and the pupil's family

members about sexuality and decision-making about sexual behavior.

2. Reproductive and sexual anatomy and physiology, including biological,

psychosocial, and emotional changes that accompany maturation.

3. Puberty, pregnancy, parenting, body image, and gender stereotypes.

4. The skills needed to make responsible decisions about sexuality and sexual

behavior throughout the pupil's life, including how to refrain from making

inappropriate verbal, physical, and sexual advances and how to recognize, rebuff,

and report any unwanted or inappropriate verbal, physical, and sexual behaviors.

5. The benefits of and reasons for abstaining from sexual activity.

6. The health benefits, side effects, and proper use of contraceptives and barrier

methods to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

7. Methods for developing healthy life skills, including setting goals, making

responsible decisions, communicating, and managing stress.

8. How alcohol and drug use affect responsible decision making.

9. The impact of media and one's peers on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

related to sexuality.

10. Marriage and parental responsibility.

11. The criminal penalties for engaging in sex.

Under current law, the state superintendent of public instruction may apply for

federal funds allocated for providing instruction in any of the topics recommended

under current law to be included in a human growth and development instructional

program. The bill modifies that authority by authorizing the state superintendent

to apply for federal funds allocated for evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention

programs in order to implement such a program.

Finally, the bill allows a volunteer health care provider to provide instruction

in human growth and development if the instructional program complies with the