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Reducing the Risk is a theory-based, sexuality education curriculum shown to influence the knowledge and behaviors of secondary students. This study determined whether the behavioral effects of the curriculum could be duplicated in a southern, rural state. In a quasiexperimental design, pretest and posttest inventories were administered to students in treatment and comparison groups to determine the influence of Reducing the Risk on sexual behaviors. Results of the 18-month study indicated students receiving the curriculum significantly delayed initiating sexual intercourse. Sexually active students in the treatment group were significantly more likely to protect themselves from STD/HIV and pregnancy than sexually active students in the comparison group. In addition, students receiving Reducing the Risk showed a significant increase in parent-child communication about sexual issues. These results reinforce previous research that found positive behavioral effects for students receiving the Reducing the Risk curriculum. (J Sch Health. 1998;68(6):243-247), Numerous sexuality education programs were developed the past two decades to reduce pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease rates among adolescents. Based on the underlying rationale and content, these programs are [...]

A widespread assumption in education suggests educational curricula can be more effectively implemented and subsequent student outcomes improved if teachers are first properly trained in using the curriculum. Thus, teachers [...]