ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATOR AND ADMINISTRATOR'S PERCEPTIONS ON TEACHING COMPREHENSIVE SEXUAL EDUCATION IN THE VALDOSTA CITY SCHOOL SYSTEM Open Access

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and the initiation of sexual
activity present serious threats to the health status of adolescents in Valdosta, Georgia.
These health outcomes are associated with a variety of behavioral risk factors and carry
great implications for the life trajectory of young people affected by them. Sexuality
education has been recognized as an effective method in providing adolescents with
knowledge and skills that promote decisions and behaviors supporting prevention of
these and other negative health outcomes for teens. The degree of controversy associated
with sexuality education has contributed to barriers and knowledge gaps concerning other
influences and factors that possibly impact the effectiveness of sexuality education and
adolescent health education. Therefore, it is worthwhile to explore the
attitudes and opinions of school administrators and educators as it pertains to the teaching
of comprehensive sexuality education in the Valdosta City School system.
This research project was centered on a fusion of information and feedback from
a literature review of previous studies, a survey of school personnel, and key informant
interviews. Forty-two administrators and educators employed
participated in a survey designed to elicit perceptions on their knowledge, understanding, preference, capability, and comfort on teaching comprehensive sexual education. Inaddition, the survey sought to gather opinions on content-based topics and appropriate
grade levels at which subject matter should be introduced.

Study participants distinctly expressed that they felt less comfortable and capable
with teaching comprehensive sexuality education compared to the abstinence only
approach. However, there was a clear consensus on the preference of the comprehensive
sexuality education approach in providing for the learning needs of adolescents. There
was also agreement that the middle school grade levels offered the best time period for
introduction of the majority of the related subject matter. Overall, administrators and
educators expressed a perception of being inadequately prepared to effectively teach
comprehensive sexuality education. As a result, the conclusions and implications focused
on the need for further research and increased opportunities for training and awareness on
behalf on all stakeholders with an interest in providing the best learning opportunities for
adolescents to achieve positive health outcomes.

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1: Introduction 1

Background 1

Problem Statement 2

Theoretical Framework 4

Purpose Statement 5

Research Questions 5

Significance Statement 6

Definition of Terms 8

Chapter 2: Review of Literature 10

Introduction 10

Contextual Considerations 11

Instructional Considerations 12

Administrator & Educator Influences 14

Previous Research & Findings 15

Public Health Implications 18

Summary 20

Chapter 3: Methodology 22

Introduction 22

Background 22

Population and Sample 23

Research Design 24

Instruments 25

Data Analysis 26

Limitations and Delimitations 26

Summary 27

Chapter 4: Results 28

Knowledge and Understanding 28

Comfort Level 30

Capability Level 31

Religious, Personal, & Moral Objections 32

Teaching Methods 33

Parental Option Clause 34

Introduction of Curriculum Content 34

Chapter 5: Implications and Conclusion 36

Introduction 36

Summary 36

Limitations 38

Conclusions 39

Implications 40

Recommendations 41

References 43

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Career Masters of Public Health
Degree	MPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health
Keyword	adolescent health
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Smith, Iris E, Emory University
Committee Members	William, Grow, Field Advisor Napier, Elsie, Committee Member
Partnering Agencies	Georgia state or local agency (not a health department) Georgia state or local health department

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