Legal Requirements
National
There are no national requirements in the U.S.
While there are no national requirements for what can or cannot be taught in the U.S. There are federal A-F requirements for any Title V programs that receive federal funding.
Here is one example of K-12 Standards for optimal sexual health development.
For additional national resources visit: https://weascend.org/resources/
Suggested reading: History of Sex Ed in the U.S.
State Of Michigan
The State of Michigan does not require sex ed. The law does require HIV/AIDS education every age group, every building, every year. If a school district wants to teach sex ed they must follow a very specific process and set of guidelines.
State of Michigan process for choosing a sex ed program
School board begins the process by calling for a Sex Ed Advisory Board (SEAB) to form.
The school boards decides: 1) Number of Members, 2) Length of Term, 3) Application process and 4) Co-chairs (one parent and one school employee).
The Michigan law requires specific members to be on a Sex Ed Advisory Board (SEAB).
Setting up a SEAB? watch this video for a quick overview.
The Sex Ed Advisory Board decides: 1) Program Goals Program Goals , 2) Materials, and 3) Methods of instruction.
Once the SEAB has completed their recommendation two public hearings are held.
Once public hearings are complete the school board votes to accept or reject the recommendation. They could also send the SEAB to investigate further with considerations (cost, time, implementation, etc.).
Reporting is required every two years.
Additional SEAB resources and FAQ's
Michigan sex ed requirements
Completion of laws: 380.1169, 380.1170, 380.1502, 380.1506, 380.1507, 388.1766
The A through K = What Michigan Requires by Law to be taught.
Michigan Department of Education Guidelines for Health (and reproductive health units)
Upper Elementary: Grade Content Learning Expectations (GLCE's) and Michigan Merit Standards
Middle School: Grade Content Learning Expectations (GLCE's)
High School: Michigan Merit Health Credits
Other U.S. States
For sex ed laws in states outside of Michigan please click on the map provided by Ascend: https://weascend.org/state-laws/
Michigan does not have laws specific to sexting. Instead these violations would fall under Child Pornography or Revenge Porn laws
The age of consent is different in every state. The age of consent in Michigan is 16.
Michigan SRA Council
The MI-SRA Council is a policy group uniting educators across Michigan who are working to advance a sexual risk avoidance message.
Local
Each school district may add or omit information in their sex ed program as long as…
...it does not violate the A-K
...this decision is made through the SEAB process with school board approval
...permission for curriculum alterations has been granted by the curriculum publisher
What sex ed program is at my school?