"In the absence of a vaccine or any miracle drug to stop AIDS, the best thing society can do to contain this epidemic is to present scientifically accurate and personally sensitive information about AIDS to our children." 
1988 Surgeon General C. Everett Koop 

The Goal

The main goal of many AIDS education programs is to teach students to take responsibility for their actions and to make decisions that will contribute to their health and well-being.  Many states have mandatory guidelines for AIDS education programs in schools.  Most programs have a similar curriculum.  In grades K-3 AIDS is not often explained in depth.  It is described as a serious disease that will not be caught by being with or playing with someone who is infected.  AIDS education at this age is often incorporated with other health problems.  Children are often taught to distinguish between non-communicable and communicable diseases. They are taught what a healthy lifestyle is and how to prevent illness as best they can.  Such things as hand washing are emphasized. The children are also taught that unwanted touching is wrong and unhealthy.  The children are given information on community health resources such as their school nurse or family doctor. 

In grades 4-5, the differences between communicable and non-communicable diseases are still emphasized.   The students are taught about AIDS and the symptoms associated with the disease.  The medical and biological aspects are taught to the students in hopes that they will develop a healthy lifestyle.  They are taught how AIDS can be prevented.  In grades 6-12,  the AIDS issues are made as real as possible without frightening the students.  Emphasis is placed on acknowledging that people have natural sexual feelings and that diseases can be contracted through sexual contact.  Signs, symptoms and and methods of transmission are taught.  They are taught that they must have a social and personal responsibility in the prevention and control of this disease.  The human concerns related to AIDS are introduced.  The students are introduced to not only AIDS, but also the transmission of other STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases).

We believe there is only one way to educate yourself, research, research, and more research. So please check out some of the sites below for more information.

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	General HIV-AIDS Information
	What is HIV?
	More Health Education

    Recent News about AIDS

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