Administrative Regulation

AR 6142.2

Instruction

Aids Prevention Instruction

In accordance with law, HIV/AIDS prevention instruction shall be offered at least once in junior high or middle school and once in high school. Instruction shall be provided by trained instructors in appropriate courses and shall include: (Education Code 51201.5)

1. Information on the nature of AIDS and its effects on the human body.

2. Information on how the human immunodeficiency virus is and is not transmitted, including information on activities that present the highest risk of HIV infection.

3. Discussion of methods to reduce the risk of HIV infection, including:

a. Emphasis that sexual abstinence, monogamy, the avoidance of multiple sexual partners and abstinence from intravenous drug use are the most effective means for AIDS prevention.

b. Statistics based upon the latest medical information citing the failure and success rates of condoms and other contraceptives in preventing sexually transmitted HIV infection.

c. Information on other methods that may reduce the risk of HIV transmission from intravenous drug use.

4. Discussion of the public health issues associated with AIDS.

5. Information on local resources for HIV testing and medical care.

6. Development of refusal skills to assist students to overcome peer pressure and use effective decision making skills to avoid high-risk activities.

7. Discussion about societal views on AIDS, including stereotypes and myths regarding persons with AIDS. This instruction shall emphasize compassion for persons suffering from debilitating handicaps and terminal diseases, like AIDS.

HIV/AIDS prevention instruction shall accurately reflect the latest information and recommendations from the U.S. Surgeon General, federal Centers for Disease Control, and the National Academy of Sciences. (Education Code 51201.5)

HIV/AIDS instruction may not be conducted in a manner that advocates drug use, a particular sexual practice, or sexual activities. AIDS prevention instruction shall be consistent with Education Code 51553. (Education Code 51201.5)

(cf. 6142.1 - Family Life/Sex Education)

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that instructional materials related to HIV infection and AIDS prevention are available and appropriate for use with students of various ages and learning abilities, and that these materials may be used effectively with students who have special needs and those from a variety of ethnic, cultural and linguistic backgrounds. (Education Code 51201.5)

Parent/Guardian Notification

At the beginning of the school year, parents/guardians of students in grades 7-12 shall be notified in writing about the purposes of the AIDS prevention instruction and information stating that the parent/guardian has a right to request a copy of Education Code 51201.5 and 51553 relating to AIDS instruction. (Education Code 48980, 51201.5)

(cf. 5145.6 - Parental Notifications)

If a student enrolls in school after the beginning of the year, the parent/guardian shall receive the notice described above upon the student's enrollment. (Education Code 51201.5)

This notification shall inform parents/guardians that they may request in writing that their child not attend the class. (Education Code 51201.5)

No student shall attend AIDS prevention instruction if a written request that he/she not attend has been received by the school. (Education Code 48980, 51201.5, 51550, 51555)

The Superintendent or designee shall keep on file Education Code 51201.5 and 51553. (Education Code 51201.5)

At the beginning of the school year, or at the time of a student's enrollment, the Superintendent or designee shall notify parents/ guardians of any outside organization or guest speaker brought into the district to provide instruction in family life, human sexuality, AIDS or sexually transmitted diseases. This notification shall include the date of the instruction, the name of the organization or affiliation of each guest speaker and information regarding the parent/guardian's right to request a copy of Education Code 51201.5 and 51553. (Education Code 51554)

If arrangements for this instruction are made after the beginning of the school year, the parents/guardians shall be notified no fewer than 10, and no more than 15, days before the instruction is delivered. (Education Code 51554)

This notification is required whether the guest speakers are brought in by the district to lecture, distribute information, show a videotape, act out, conduct an activity involving student participation or provide audio material in either a classroom or assembly. (Education Code 51554)

Regulation PALOS VERDES PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

approved: March 8, 2001 Palos Verdes Estates, California