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SEAB recommends clearer, age-appropriate language for Jenison 7th-grade reproductive health unit
Summary
At a required public hearing, the Sex Education Advisory Board recommended revised wording and updated visuals for the 7th-grade 'Building Respectful Future Dating Relationships' unit and clarified STI/STD definitions, citing CDC language; the Board will review recommendations before a future vote.
The Jenison Public Schools Sex Education Advisory Board (SEAB) presented recommended edits to the 7th-grade Directions Unit 3: "Building Respectful Future Dating Relationships" at a public hearing Monday evening, offering clearer, age-appropriate phrasing and some medical terminology corrections for student materials.
Alana Kooi, Co-Director of Teaching and Learning, told the Board the SEAB met July 29 to review prior feedback and refine language and visuals aimed at improving student comprehension. The committee consolidated several slides, updated graphics, and corrected labeling on female reproductive diagrams, specifically calling out the uterus and uterine lining.
The SEAB voted to recommend the following explanatory language for Slide 2 (presented to the Board as the committee's preferred option): "Sexuality is about our male or female bodies, sexual feelings, thoughts, attractions, and behaviors toward other people. It's a natural part of who we are that develops as we grow up. But sexuality is also bigger than just feelings of attraction. It touches nearly every aspect of who we are—from our attitudes and values to our experiences and how we see ourselves. It's like a puzzle with many pieces that make up the whole picture of you." The committee said the wording is intended to provide factual context rather than promote values or lifestyles.
On Slide 56, the committee focused on anticipating common student questions and ensuring teachers have age-appropriate language and prompts to respond simply and clearly.
The SEAB also recommended clearer terminology around sexually transmitted infections and diseases, proposing CDC-based language for student materials: "A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite people can get through sexual contact. A sexually transmitted disease (STD) develops because of an STI and the term implies that the infection has led to some symptom of disease." The committee cited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as the source for that distinction.
No members of the public offered comment during the hearing, and Dr. Eric Hartman adjourned the SEAB portion of the meeting at 6:12 p.m. The Board of Education will review the SEAB recommendations and may offer feedback before taking any formal vote at a future meeting.
