Signed by Governor Scott Walker

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends guidelines for the instruction of human growth and development in schools.

Highlights:

• Defines “medically accurate information” as that which is scientifically-based and published in peer-reviewed journals, whereas existing law also requires the information to be supported by the “weight of research” conducted through scientific methods and to be “recognized as accurate” by professional organizations including, but not limited to, the American Medical Association (Sec. 4).

• Defines “age-appropriate” as being consistent with adolescent development and community standards, whereas existing law defines it as relative to behavior typical for the age group (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that medically accurate information regarding the following topics is recommended to be included in the local human growth and development curriculum when age-appropriate, whereas under existing law it is required to be included (Sec. 6):
• The importance of communication about sexuality between the pupil and the pupil’s parents or guardians;
• Reproductive and sexual anatomy and physiology;
• The benefits of and reasons for abstaining from sexual activity;
• Methods for developing healthy life skills;
• The effect of alcohol and drugs in decision making; and
• The impact of media and peers relative to sexuality.

• Specifies that medically accurate information regarding the following topics is recommended to be included in the local human growth and development curriculum when age-appropriate (Secs. 14, 15, 18 & 19):
• Adoption resources, prenatal care, and postnatal supports;
• The nature and treatment of sexually transmitted infections;
• The “positive connection” between marriage and parenting; and
• Information regarding stereotyping and bullying.

• Repeals provisions that require medically accurate information regarding the following topics to be included in the local human growth and development curriculum when age-appropriate (Secs. 10, 11 & 13):
• Puberty, pregnancy, parenting, body image, and gender stereotypes;
• Skills needed to make “responsible decisions” about sexuality and sexual behavior; and
• The health benefits, side effects, and proper use of contraceptives and barrier methods approved for use by the federal Food and Drug Administration.

• Requires instruction regarding abstaining from sexual activity to portray abstinence as the “only reliable” method of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, whereas existing law requires it to be portrayed as the “most reliable” method (Sec. 12).

• Requires a local human growth and development curriculum to include instruction in “parental responsibility and the socioeconomic benefits of marriage for adults and their children” (Sec. 24).

• Repeals the requirement that notice be given to parents or guardians if the local school board elects to not provide instruction in human growth and development (Secs. 30 & 31).

• Prohibits a volunteer health care provider from providing instruction in human growth and development, whereas existing law authorizes the instruction as long as the material taught meets curriculum requirements (Sec. 34).   

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends guidelines for the instruction of human growth and development in schools.

Highlights:

• Defines "medically accurate information" as that which is scientifically-based and published in peer-reviewed journals, whereas existing law also requires the information to be supported by the "weight of research" conducted through scientific methods and to be "recognized as accurate" by professional organizations including, but not limited to, the American Medical Association (Sec. 4).

• Defines "age-appropriate" as being consistent with adolescent development and community standards, whereas existing law defines it as relative to behavior typical for the age group (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that medically accurate information regarding the following topics is recommended to be included in the local human growth and development curriculum when age-appropriate, whereas under existing law it is required to be included (Sec. 6):
• The importance of communication about sexuality between the pupil and the pupil's parents or guardians;
• Reproductive and sexual anatomy and physiology;
• The benefits of and reasons for abstaining from sexual activity;
• Methods for developing healthy life skills; -The effect of alcohol and drugs in decision making; and
• The impact of media and peers relative to sexuality.

• Specifies that medically accurate information regarding the following topics is recommended to be included in the local human growth and development curriculum when age-appropriate (Secs. 14, 15, 18 & 19):
• Adoption resources, prenatal care, and postnatal supports;
• The nature and treatment of sexually transmitted infections;
• The "positive connection" between marriage and parenting; and
• Information regarding stereotyping and bullying.

• Repeals provisions that require medically accurate information regarding the following topics to be included in the local human growth and development curriculum when age-appropriate (Secs. 10, 11 & 13):
• Puberty, pregnancy, parenting, body image, and gender stereotypes;
• Skills needed to make "responsible decisions" about sexuality and sexual behavior; and
• The health benefits, side effects, and proper use of contraceptives and barrier methods approved for use by the federal Food and Drug Administration.

• Requires instruction regarding abstaining from sexual activity to portray abstinence as the "only reliable" method of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, whereas existing law requires it to be portrayed as the "most reliable" method (Sec. 12).

• Requires a local human growth and development curriculum to include instruction in "parental responsibility and the socioeconomic benefits of marriage for adults and their children" (Sec. 24).

• Repeals the requirement that notice be given to parents or guardians if the local school board elects to not provide instruction in human growth and development (Secs. 30 & 31).

• Prohibits a volunteer health care provider from providing instruction in human growth and development, whereas existing law authorizes the instruction as long as the material taught meets curriculum requirements (Sec. 34).

Full Bill Text