Curriculum: FAMILY LIFE AND SEXUAL HEALTH (FLASH)

405 ILCS 5/4-211 requires the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to approve course material in sex education. The factors IDHS must consider in approving the sex education material are set forth is 405 ILCS 5/211 (a)-(i). The Department may not withhold approval of materials that otherwise meet the criteria specified in this Section on the basis that they include or refer to a religious or faith based perspective. The Committee established a process to review and approve the sex education material to assess whether it met the standards outlined in the statute. The IDHS approved the sex education materials listed below. The sex education materials may change to include other materials submitted, evaluated and approved by the Committee. Disclaimer-IDHS has approved a list of all the sex education materials listed on this website. IDHS does not favor one particular set of sex education materials over another nor does their order of appearance in the list constitute any particular favor by IDHS.


Sex Education for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Curriculum Review

Assessment of curriculum strength and whether it meets requirements of Illinois Legislative Committee. Curriculum reviewed by the Illinois Department of Human Services Curriculum Taskforce. For questions about this review, contact: DHS.BQM@illinois.gov

Cost:  $0

For more information, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/locations/family-planning/education/FLASH/special-education.aspx or contact Beth Reis (beth.reis@kingcounty.gov) or Kari Kesler (kari.kesler@kingcounty.gov).

Universal Design & Accessibility Material Adaptable for: Sexual Rights Component Trainer Resources Meets Illinois Legislative Curriculum Requirement
Plain Language    Y Age    Y States Sexual Rights   Y Explains Trainer Skills  Y Positive Sexual Identity
Visual Aids  Y Gender  Y How to Advocate Y Useful Handouts  Y Prevention of Pregnancy   Y
Video  N Culture  Y Healthy Relationships Y Has Lesson Plans  Y STI/STD/HIV/AIDS   Y
Audio  N Language N First Person Language Y Online Safety  N Condoms    Y
Sign Language  N Religion  Y Social Media/Internet N Abstinence    Y
Braille  N Sexual Orientation  Y Emotional Consequence  Y
Psychological Consequence   Y
Unwanted Sexual Behavior  Y
Danger/Predator Signs Y

Comments:

Written lesson plans designed for Special Education setting.

Comments:

Designed for high school and transition age youth, this can be adapted for adults. There is a link for family information in a variety of languages, but only in English for parents of Special Education students.

Comments:

At the beginning, time spent on setting ground rules, respecting each other during class;

Lesson 10 covers Advocacy (asking for what you want); Lesson 14 and 15 Personal Rights related to touch and advocating for self.

Comments:

Each lesson plan has learning objectives and instruction. There is also a separate link on webpage for "Answering Sexual Health Questions" which provides guidance to teachers on how to handle personal questions, values and other teaching strategies.

Comments:

Lesson 3, 4 Self-esteem discussed; Differences between males/females; introduces gender variance.

Lessons 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Discuss risks of sexual activity (pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, STDs)

Lessons 20, 21, 22 Discuss sexual decision-making and parenthood.

Lessons 11, 14, 15 and Appendix 3 Discuss danger/predator signs.

Overview/Guidance:

The Family Life and Sexual Health Curriculum-Special Education was written from 2005-2013.  Some lesson plans include PowerPoint, most have handouts. The comprehensive materials were specifically designed for students in Special Education high school and transitional services. There are a number of additional resources provided on the website, including an Appendix with an Assessment Tool, resources on Recognizing and reporting Sexual Abuse and Assault and a Letter for Families.

This curriculum is:

  • Developmentally Appropriate for students who have beginning reading skills or above, (although lessons and handouts can be adapted, if instructor is willing/able).
  • Evidence-based: No. The FLASH curriculum describes itself as a science-based promising-program, as explained in the link on the webpage "About the FLASH Curriculum." It also acknowledges there have been no rigorous evaluation results for the Curriculum.

https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/locations/family-planning/education/FLASH/about-FLASH.aspx