ERIC Number: EJ1248329
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-8756-5943
EISSN: N/A
An Exploration of Participants' Experiences after Completion of an Extensive Workshop to Strengthen Sexuality Education in Texas Schools
Housman, Jeff M.; Wilson, Kelly L.; Wiley, David C.
Health Educator, v50 n2 p17-25 Fall 2018
School-based sexuality education provides a means of disseminating valuable information about decision making and avoidance of risky behaviors that may result in an unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection; however, effective teacher training is required for efficacious sexuality education programs. The purpose of this paper is to describe changes in participants' perceptions and adoption of evidence-based sexuality education after attending a unique professional development opportunity for teachers of sexuality education using a Diffusion of Innovation Theory framework. Methods: A non-representative sample of 20 public school health education teachers (85% female) from across the state of Texas participated in the Sexuality Education Academy (SEA), and completed pre-, post-, and six-month follow-up Web-based surveys. Descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to measure change in perceptions and adoption of evidence-based sexuality education. Results: Statistically significant changes were found between pre- and post-test scores in "relative advantage," "compatibility," "complexity," and "observability." At six-month follow-up, participants indicated increased advocacy for and implementation of evidence-based sexuality education practices. Conclusions: Teacher training can improve sexuality education teachers' understanding, confidence and effectiveness in delivery of evidence-based sexuality education within school settings.
Descriptors: Sex Education, Workshops, Attitude Change, Evidence Based Practice, Faculty Development, Comprehensive School Health Education, Program Effectiveness, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Public School Teachers, Teacher Attitudes, Secondary Education
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Texas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A