Sexuality Curriculum Policies

Rural is Not Always More Conservative

  • Susan Roberts-Dobie University of Northern Iowa
  • Mary E. Losch University of Northern Iowa
  • Danielle Vsetecka Center for Social and Behavioral Research, Cedar Falls, Iowa
  • Andrew Morse Center for Social and Behavioral Research, Cedar Falls, Iowa

Abstract

This study examined sexuality education policies of school districts following the enactment of a law by the state of Iowa in 2007 requiring schools to include curriculum related to human growth and development education. The authors compared responses from superintendents in rural and urban areas in the state of Iowa regarding their districts’ sexuality curriculum policies. All public school superintendents in Iowa (n=364) were mailed a survey; 131 (36%) responded. The sample was representative of the state both geographically and by size of district. Findings indicate that while rural states (or more-rural areas within rural states) may be publically perceived to be more conservative than urban areas, their sexuality education policies show little statistical difference. Additionally, Iowa’s sexuality education policies were found to be equally or more inclusive in comparison to previously reported national results. Community opposition to sexuality education was not evident. Superintendents indicated that state directives were the most influential factor driving district policies on sexuality education.  

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Author Biographies

Susan Roberts-Dobie, University of Northern Iowa
Dr. Susan Roberts-Dobie is Associate Professor of Health Promotion and Education and the University of Northern Iowa and is a researcher with the Iowa Initiative to Reduce Unintended Pregnancies.
Mary E. Losch, University of Northern Iowa
Dr. Losch is Professor of Psychology and Assistant Director of the Center for Social and Behavioral Research at the University of Northern Iowa. She is also the Research Director of the Iowa Initiative to Reduce Unintended Pregnancies.
Danielle Vsetecka, Center for Social and Behavioral Research, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Danielle Vsetecka was previously a Graduate Research Assistant with the Center for Social and Behavioral Research at the University of Northern Iowa and is currently employed at the Brigham and Woman’s Hospital in Boston.
Andrew Morse, Center for Social and Behavioral Research, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Andrew Morse was previously a Research Assistant with the Center for Social and Behavioral Research at the University of Northern Iowa and is currently a graduate student at University of Tennessee-Knoxville.  
Published
2010-11-15
How to Cite
Roberts-Dobie, S., Losch, M. E., Vsetecka, D., & Morse, A. (2010). Sexuality Curriculum Policies. The Rural Educator, 32(1). https://doi.org/10.35608/ruraled.v32i1.436
Section
Research Articles