Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
|
|
Miami Herald (12.12.05) - Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Peter Bailey
"AIDS: Get The Facts!" is mandatory for all Miami-Dade students in grades K-12, though teaching methods vary by grade level. The core philosophy of the curriculum is abstinence, yet Miami-Dade is the only district in the state that allows condom demonstrations in the classroom, said Jackie White, supervisor of HIV/AIDS education. "We understand that some parents may be uncomfortable with the topic, but we have a responsibility to properly inform our young people on the dangers of sex," said White.
At the gathering, Dr. Bruce Lenes and other experts discussed the dangers of unprotected sex and the importance of not discriminating against HIV-positive students by ensuring they are not stigmatized by educators.
"It's been very worthwhile and I've learned a lot, it's very awkward to discuss sex in the classroom but it's important because AIDS affects our kids," said Mays Middle School teacher Phala Jordan. For Jordan and other teachers, the lecture brought about self-reflection. "It made you realize just how much you don't know and now I feel I can empathize with students who may be affected," Jordan noted.
Eduardo Sabillon, a teacher at Kinloch Park Middle School, said he does "whatever it takes" to engage his students in the AIDS lessons and tell them "that unsafe sex is deadly, even if I have to use graphic language sometimes." Sabillon said he primarily sticks to using clinic terms and shows illustrations of safe sex practices.
051214
AD052518
Copyright © 2005 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.
.