To date, education is the only method that has worked to prevent the spread of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Effective AIDS prevention must do two things simultaneously: emphasize that AIDS is a worldwide issue, that males and females of all ages, colors, and nationalities are susceptible to the virus; and emphasize that AIDS is a personal issue, that the cessation of the disease can be found in discrete, individual behaviors and attitudes. An effective school-based AIDS prevention curriculum should: (1) be based on current research about how young people contract Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV); (2) teach students to use the information they have learned; (3) begin early and be ongoing; (4) be easily incorporated into a total approach to health education and wellness; (5) have both abstinence and "safer sex" messages; (6) include parental involvement; (7) be culturally sensitive; (8) include teacher training; (9) be participatory and varied in its methods; (1) be easy to use, inclusive, and flexible; and (11) be cost efficient. A curriculum that meets these criteria is "Get Real About AIDS," a self contained program available for three age levels--4-6, 6-9, and 9-12. (LL)