The Texas Education code requires that any course materials and instruction relating to human sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, or human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome must reflect the following:

(1) present abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred choice of behavior in relationship to all sexual activity for unmarried persons of school age;

(2) devote more attention to abstinence from sexual activity than to any other behavior;

(3) emphasize that abstinence from sexual activity, if used consistently and correctly, is the only method that is 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, infection with human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and the emotional trauma associated with adolescent sexual activity;

(4) direct adolescents to a standard of behavior in which abstinence from sexual activity before marriage is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and infection with human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome; and (

5) teach contraception and condom use in terms of human use reality rates instead of theoretical laboratory rates, if instruction on contraception and condoms is included in curriculum content.

The Texas Education code requires that any course materials and instruction relating to human sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, or human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome must reflect the following:

(1) present abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred choice of behavior in relationship to all sexual activity for unmarried persons of school age;

(2) devote more attention to abstinence from sexual activity than to any other behavior;

(3) emphasize that abstinence from sexual activity, if used consistently and correctly, is the only method that is 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, infection with human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and the emotional trauma associated with adolescent sexual activity;

(4) direct adolescents to a standard of behavior in which abstinence from sexual activity before marriage is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and infection with human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome; and (

5) teach contraception and condom use in terms of human use reality rates instead of theoretical laboratory rates, if instruction on contraception and condoms is included in curriculum content.

Annual Notification

As a part of the district’s curriculum, students receive instruction related to human sexuality. The School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) makes recommendations for curriculum materials, and the school board adopts the materials and determines the specific content of the instruction.

In accordance with state law, a parent may:

• Review, receive a copy of, or purchase a copy of curriculum materials depending on the copyright of the materials.
• Remove his or her child from any part of the human sexuality instruction without academic, disciplinary, or other penalties. 
• Become involved in the development of this curriculum by becoming a member of the district’s SHAC or attending SHAC meetings. (See the campus principal for details.)

Curriculum Review

Under state law (Texas Education Code 28.004), parents have the right to review or purchase curriculum material related to human sexuality instruction.

Each section below provides a description and references the materials selected for the instruction in HISD.  If a parent would like to view the materials in person, please contact your campus administration to set up a time during regular business hours. 

For purchase agreements between school districts and publishers entered into after September 1, 2021, parents may choose to purchase all curriculum materials at the same price paid by the school district.

Opportunities for Parent/Guardian Involvement

Parents/ guardians have the opportunity for involvement in the development or selection of the curriculum used in human sexuality instruction.  The School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) meets regularly throughout the school year, and meetings are open to the public.  The SHAC will review and make recommendations to the district about any changes to the current human sexuality curriculum or any new program to be implemented.