In 2020, the state of New Jersey adopted new standards for sex education to now include more information on identity, contraceptives, and expectations in relationships. This is a drastic change in the right direction for promoting healthier and safer behaviors surrounding sex. Over the years, New Jersey has constantly been criticized for having a failing sex education system and was even given a “C” ranking by Thrive New Jersey.
As one with first hand experiences with New Jersey’s sex education system, they tended to emphasis heavily on abstinence. Teachers made students believe that “abstinence” is the key and would focus their lessons prioritizing that topic. Students had different experiences with the sex education system as it varied district to district. Under the new program, it is much more standardized with a clear focus. The old system was flawed and offered mixed experiences. Teachers were showcasing the information to fulfil government requirements and went with a more negative stigma toward it. Educators have some sort of taboo when it comes to discussing sex and everything associated with it. They need to provide knowledge of contraceptives and safe sex rather than dismissing it.
According to Power to Decide, a non-profit working toward preventing teen and unplanned pregnancies, ranked New Jersey at 44 out of 50 when it comes to the teen birth rate. In 2019, the teen birth rate was 10 births per 1,000 girls. This number is a 3% decrease from 2018, but when compared to other states, New Jersey clearly has more work to put into the system in order to have more fulfilling outcomes.
Montclair State University professors, Eva Goldfarb and Lisa Lieberman, believe that sex education should begin as early as kindergarten. It will offer up new perspectives and allow for an introduction early into the lives of students. It will allow them for a better understanding of the world, how the world changes, and how to find themselves. By introducing courses/classes like this, where it becomes second hand to them like an English or Math class, it will get rid of that “taboo” feeling that was discussed early. We see the changes being introduced in the new 2020 plan.
As showcased in the “2020 New Jersey Student Learning Standards - Comprehensive Health and Physical Education” plan, there are four stages made available that are used for progress tracking in social and sexual health.
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By the end of grade 2, the new plan proposed that students will know how to express themselves, focus on communication, tackle conflict, and learn more about themselves.
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By the end of grade 5, they want all students to be able to express themselves freely and accept others regardless of their gender, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
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By the end of grade 8, they want to introduce healthy relationships, boundaries, acceptable behaviors, and an introduction on sex.
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By the end of grade 12, they want individuals to understand their identity, healthy relationships, fully understand sex and the available services, and more additional information.
The newly proposed changes have had political struggles and is a highly debated topic. Critics are outright dismissing the changes and claim it will do more harm than good. Parents need to be more open to the new system and not oppose it because it will be “plaguing” young minds with abortion talk. Senator Michael J. Doherty (R) showcased his opposition by stating the aspects of the plan would be "mandating a one-size-fits-all policy" for education.
Face the facts, the old education system was not working, the new system is a step in the right direction. New Jersey needed a standardized education system that does not vary district by district. Under the old you ran into issues where depending on social status and income level, affected educational opportunities. By standardizing it, you allow for an equal opportunity for all students in the state of New Jersey. It is the role of educators and parents to teach and guide individuals to fully understand their actions, both the positives and negatives in social/sexual health. The “taboo” feeling needs to be overcome and the new system allows it to be normalized for open discussions.
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May 23, 2021 at 07:23PM
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Accept The New Sex Education System in New Jersey (Opinion) - TAPinto.net
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