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Leander ISD recommends adapted Austin ISD human sexuality curriculum for grades 7–9; opt‑in and public preview planned
Summary
A district committee recommended adopting an adapted version of Austin ISD’s human sexuality lessons for grades 7–9. District staff said lessons will be opt‑in and available for public preview online before the board votes in March.
Leander ISD staff told trustees they are recommending an adapted human sexuality curriculum for grades 7–9 based on Austin Independent School District materials, narrowed after review by the district’s SHAC committee and outside consultants.
Administration described the legal context under Texas Education Code §28.004: instruction must be opt‑in and must present abstinence as the only 100 percent effective method of preventing pregnancy. Staff said the SHAC (School Health Advisory Council) reviewed the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), examined multiple curricula, and worked with a contracted health education specialist to adapt lessons so each grade (7, 8, 9) would receive four or five lessons instead of a longer vendor curriculum.
Administrators said the district will publish the full lessons and Google Classroom previews on its website starting the day after the meeting and will take public feedback through March. Materials will be owned by the district under a letter‑of‑agreement with Austin ISD; the district’s lawyer and contracts office will finalize terms, but staff emphasized the arrangement prevents the district from reselling the curriculum. If the board approves, staff said teacher facilitators will be selected locally and trained; administration recommended implementation after state assessments to avoid additional pressure on students.
Administrators estimated one‑time development costs of about $7,200 for curriculum adaptation and about $800 for trainer time per day. Trustees asked questions about facilitator selection, ensuring parent access to lesson materials and maintaining a public record; SHAC members and two students who had participated in advisory meetings were reported to have provided feedback.
The board did not vote on adoption during this meeting; staff asked trustees to review the posted materials and provide feedback ahead of the scheduled March action vote.
