Let’s talk about sex: Here’s the required sex-ed curriculum in Texas schools

In 2020, the Texas State Board of Education adopted new minimum curriculum standards expanding basic sex education for public school students in the 2022-23 school year.

Here’s a look at some of the curriculum requirements for each grade level in Texas.

Elementary school

Fourth graders are expected to define the menstrual cycle and explain what happens during puberty and adolescent development.

Fifth graders continue learning about the changes that happen in puberty and the reproductive process. Students also learn about personal safety, limits and boundaries. Topics include defining and learning ways to report sexual harassment, abuse and assault and sex trafficking.

Middle school

Sixth, seventh and eighth graders continue to learn about puberty and the reproductive cycle along with sexual health, and healthy relationships.

Abstinence is listed as the preferred choice of behavior related to sexual activity for unmarried school-aged people. According to the Texas Education Code, public schools are to devote more attention to abstinence education than any other sexual behavior.

Middle school students are taught about teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and the benefits of abstinence.

High school

Health classes in high school are taught about the characteristics of sex trafficking, harmful relationships and healthy strategies for preventing physical, sexual and emotional abuse.

High school students continue learning about reproductive health including early pregnancy testing and seeking prenatal care if signs of pregnancy occur.

Students are to research and analyze the educational, financial and social impacts of pregnancy on teen parents, the child, families and society. Abstinence education is also taught in high school health courses, with students instructed on the “importance and benefits” of abstinence from sexual activity.