Course Syllabus

Course Description: The topics for instruction in the Health Issues course predominantly relate to issues of human sexuality. Throughout the course we also discuss important issues such as substance abuse awareness, mental health, and current events. The class is heavily discussion based, and participation is vital to pass the class.
***We have had to make adjustments to our syllabus due to the changes in our schedule for the 20-21 academic year. Our health classes will focus on Standards 2, 4 and 5 of the National Health Standards.***

National Health Education Standards:

Standard 1: Students will comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health.

Standard 2: Students sill analyze the influence of family, peers, culture, media, technology and other factors on health behaviors.

Standard 3: Students will demonstrate the ability to access valid information and products and services to enhance health.

Standard 4: Students will demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health and avoid or reduce health risks.

Standard 5: Students will demonstrate the ability to use decision-making skills to enhance health.

Standard 6: Students will demonstrate the ability to use goal-setting skills to enhance health. Students will Demonstrate the ability to use goal-setting skills to enhance health.

Standard 7: Students will demonstrate the ability to practice health-enhancing behaviors and avoid or reduce health risks.

Standard 8: Students will demonstrate the ability to advocate for personal, family and community health.

Assessments Used: Formative & Summative, PBL, journaling, class discussion and group work.

UNITS OF INSTRUCTION:

1.  Introduction of course ~ objectives and expectations*

2. Growth and Development ~ review of puberty; Introduction of male and female reproductive anatomy and biology

3. Sexuality ~ The Sexuality Unit includes providing working definitions of pertinent language including biological sex, gender identity & expression, and sexual orientation. 

4. Protection Methods ~ pregnancy prevention via abstinence and birth control options; STI prevention and treatment 

5. Substance Use and Abuse Education ~ with an emphasis on alcohol, marijuana and the latest on marijuana laws, nicotine, vaping and other recreational drugs.  We partner with the Wellesley Youth Commission and the Wellesley Police Department in the delivery of this Unit of instruction. 

6. Relationships ~ Identifying Healthy versus Unhealthy relationships; power and control in a relationship; discussing teen dating violence and domestic violence/abuse; what does it mean to consent and the laws governing consent.

7. Mental Health Awareness ~ Identifying and defining mental health issues and conditions; providing treatment options; depression awareness screening, and suicide awareness education: “S.O.S” program (“Signs of Suicide”)

8. SBIRT screening ~ this is the state-mandated screening program we do with the sophomore students.  It stands for: “Screening for Brief Intervention and Referral for Treatment”. This is an optional screening for students and their families. 

*Embedded in all Units of Instruction is the through-line of decision-making. Decision-Making around risky behaviors, peer pressure, personal pressures and family and societal pressures and expectations. 

CLASS FORMAT

• Teacher Lecture
• Individual and Group Work/Participation
• Class Discussions and Conversations
• Guest Presentations and Visits
• Student Projects and Presentations

Final -  Project Based Learning