Curriculum

The Scott & White Worth the Wait® Wellness & Sexual Health Curriculum was developed by Patricia J. Sulak, M.D. in consult with healthcare professionals, attorneys, and certified teachers. The data driven curriculum is founded on the medical, legal, psychological, and socioeconomic information regarding adolescent health risk behaviors.  For a more detailed summary of topics covered at each level, review the 2011 Scope & Sequence.

Adolescent Sexual Health- Beginning with introductory lessons in the 6th grade edition, the content addresses puberty, anatomy, physiology, pregnancy, and STDs. In the 8th grade and High School editions, detailed information is given on STDs, teen pregnancy, and contraception.  Students are able to identify abstinence as the only complete protection from STDs, pregnancy, and the emotional consequences of teen sex. 

Avoidance of Risky Behaviors- Referencing the CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance report in each grade, students are able to identify health risk behaviors, analyze contributing factors, and develop strategies to protect themselves and others from engaging in sexual activity, drug/alcohol/tobacco use, violence, bullying, suicide, unhealthy eating, lack of physical activity, and motor vehicle accidents. Students are motivated to take charge of their health and to be examples for their friends and families.

Legal Issues and Sexual Abuse- A legal component addressing family law, criminal law, and sexual abuse is included in the program making it “one of a kind” in the field of sex education.  Students are able to identify sexual abuse and are empowered to report offenses; sexual activity with a child or young teen is always wrong and must be reported.  

Essential Human Needs- The five essential human needs of security, connection, purpose, support, and contribution motivate teens to respect themselves and others. Students are able to express their emotions and feelings, compare and contrast healthy and unhealthy relationships, use refusal and communication styles to avoid health risk behaviors, and establish short- and long-term goals.

User-Friendly Curriculum- For ease of training, each edition comes with detailed lesson plans, scripted narratives for teachers, student handouts, CD with PowerPoint® presentations, and videos on DVD for High School.  Activities designed to reach all types of learners (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) are incorporated into each grade level.  No activity handbooks or workbooks are needed.  Specified sections in the curriculum contain printed activity masters and blank handouts needed during the lessons.  Student handouts are easily produced and answer keys are included. A list of ordinary supplies is also included with the curriculum. For these reasons, the curriculum is inexpensive and easy to use.

Adult Interaction- Students are able to seek the input of parents and other trusted adults after each lesson.  A “Let’s Talk” activity stimulates an interactive conversation between the student and the trusted adult and acts as a review (examples are included). 

Evaluation- Scott & White Worth the Wait® Wellness & Sexual Health meets Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements for health education and the Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (HECAT) requirements. The TEKS and HECAT requirements help schools select effective health education curricula and improve the delivery of health education.

TEACHER TRAINING:available at various times throughout the year, and can be brought to your local area  view the schedule.