ERIC Number: EJ1435036
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Sep
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-4391
EISSN: EISSN-1746-1561
Facilitators and Barriers to Implementing a Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Policy in Chicago Public Schools
Kristen Belcher; Emily Fishman; Kat Ramirez-Mercado; Booker Marshall; Marisa DiPaolo; Elizabeth Jarpe-Ratner
Journal of School Health, v94 n9 p838-847 2024
Background: In 2013, the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) district passed a policy requiring schools to deliver comprehensive sexual health education (SHE) to all K-12th grade students. A performance improvement case study was conducted in the 2019-2020 school year to evaluate the implementation of the policy and identify lessons learned to support implementation in schools. Methods: Key informant interviews were conducted with 11 school principals and 29 teachers to discuss SHE implementation at their school. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to assess school and classroom factors that affect implementation. Themes that cut across these factors were then identified and summarized by 2 evaluators. Results: The following themes were identified across key informant interviews: (a) principal prioritization of SHE helps ensure SHE is implemented, (b) the expansion of school and teacher capacity facilitates SHE implementation, and (c) the creation of accountability mechanisms in classrooms and schools fosters adherence to SHE policy. Conclusions: Principals play a crucial role in building capacity to deliver SHE and ensuring SHE accountability mechanisms are implemented in their school. CPS is using these findings to adjust technical assistance and resources provided to principals and SHE instructors.
Descriptors: Educational Policy, Public Schools, Elementary Secondary Education, Sex Education, Health Education, Principals, Elementary School Teachers, Secondary School Teachers, Administrator Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, Program Implementation, Administrator Role, Barriers, Influences
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2191/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education; Elementary Education; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (DHHS/PHS)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Illinois (Chicago)
Grant or Contract Numbers: 6NU87PS004311