Essay Sample on Ohio State Sex Education Curriculum: Grades 1-6 Protection & Beyond

Introduction

In Ohio State, there is a well-developed curriculum structure that guides how sex education is imparted to the schooling teens. Learners from grade 1 to grade 6 are taught on basic techniques on how to defend themselves incidences of sexual assault as well as personal protection, including avoiding walking alone in unsecured places, abstaining from alcoholism, and staying vigilant throughout (Hall, Sales, Komro & Santelli, 2018). On the other hand, the focus of the curriculum for the remaining grades is to provide education that primarily focuses on establishing mutual rapport. Besides, they are also provided with information on how to evade violent acts as well as how to prevent themselves from sexually transmitted diseases. In contrast, the Texas state, the curriculum does not provide sex education. However, some schools within the state have included guidelines on sex education (Hall et al., 2018). Thus, the curriculum does not offer specific guidelines, although it features vague details related to the concept of sex education. Concerning the issue of HIV/AIDs prevalence, in Ohio State, the rate is around 218 for every 100,000 people (Sharpe, 2019). In Texas, statistics show that the rate of HIV/AIDs infection is 375 for every 100,000 people (Sharpe, 2019). One similarity between these two states with respect to this epidemic is that the rate of infection is higher among men than women.

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Regarding the issue of teen pregnancy, in Ohio State, the rate is 18 for every 1000 teen girls aged between 15 and 17 years. For those aged 18-19 years, the rate is 75 for every 1000 teens (Thomas, 2019). In Texas, the pregnancy rates for teen girls aged between 15 and 17 years is 29 for every 1000 teens, while for those aged between 18-19 years is 102 for the same group set (Thomas, 2019). Although there is a difference in the rate of pregnancy among teen girls in both states, it is also notable that it is highest among teens aged 18-19 years in both states. Moreover, in Ohio State, the poverty rate is 14 %, while in Texas, it is 14.7%. The average household income is $54,021 in Ohio, while in Texas, it is $70,136 (United States Census Bureau, 2019). Notably also, In Ohio, the percentage of students who have acquired a bachelor's degree, an associate degree, and master's degrees are 47.5%, 23.8%, and 20.9%, respectively (United States Census Bureau, 2019). The remaining percentage represents the students that have secured a doctoral degree. In Texas, the percentage of students who have acquired a bachelor's degree, an associate degree, and a high school degree is 28.7%, 29%, and 25.5% United States (Census Bureau, 2019). Markedly, the remaining percent are high-school, or they are dropouts.

Reflecting, social activism aimed at combatting the spread of HIV/AIDs as well as discriminatory acts in society have taken place on multiple occasions in the United States. The protest movements have included the use of public marches, placard-waving, pamphleteer activities, sit-ins, hanging of political leaders portraits, among many others. In many instances, activists have ended up making long-lasting impacts. To a great extent, activists have effectively fought against the widespread misconceptions about this epidemic. Notably, I would recommend establishments of clubs that combine sport activities with peer to peer education that promote HIV/AIDs awareness. Young people would be given a chance to report on their knowledge and misconceptions about HIV/AIDs. Then leaders would be requested to clarify whether the information provided is factual. Past exposure to such advocacy has proved to be effective in combatting widespread of HIV misconceptions. Thus, I believe that the strategy would be useful in helping create HIV/AIDs awareness among teenagers.

References

Hall, K. S., Sales, J. M., Komro, K. A., & Santelli, J. (2018). The state of sex education in the United States. The Journal of adolescent health: official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine, 58(6), 595.

Sharpe, J. D. (2019). A comparison of the geographic patterns of HIV prevalence and hurricane events in the United States. Public health, 171, 131-134.

Thomas, A. T. (2019). Teenage Pregnancy and Long-Acting Contraception. Journal of Adolescent Health, 65(4), 438-439.

United States Census Bureau. (2019). Quick Facts the United States. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045218