California Healthy Youth Act
As of the 2018-19 school year, all California school districts, including RBUSD, are required to provide comprehensive sexual health education and HIV/AIDS prevention instruction twice during grades 7-12:
- Once in middle school
- Once in high school
This mandate is part of the 2016 California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA) and applies to all students, including those in Special Education.
For more details on CHYA, visit the California Department of Education website.
What’s Included in the Curriculum?
Before CHYA, schools were only required to teach HIV/AIDS prevention. Now, students also receive education on:
- Teen pregnancy and STI prevention
- Healthy and unhealthy relationships
- Decision-making and refusal skills
- Communicating with trusted adults about sexual health
- Safe and legal access to sexual health services
- LGBTQ-inclusive education and support
RBUSD collaborates with Beach Cities Health District to ensure students have access to additional resources and support.
RBUSD’s Approved Curriculum: Positive Prevention Plus
In October 2018, RBUSD adopted Positive Prevention Plus as the official curriculum for grades 7-12. This evidence-based program is aligned with California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA) requirements, National Health Education Standards (NHES), and National Sexuality Education Standards (NSES).
Middle School Curriculum (Grade 8)
- Abstinence Education: Reinforces that abstinence is the only 100% effective method to prevent STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
- Interactive Learning: Engages students through structured activities and discussions.
- Skill-Building: Teaches decision-making, refusal skills, and how to navigate peer pressure.
(Learn more: Positive Prevention Plus – Middle School)
High School Curriculum (Grade 9)
- Comprehensive Sexual Health Education: Covers contraception, STI prevention, and responsible decision-making.
- Critical Thinking & Goal Setting: Helps students develop personal goals and informed choices.
- Interpersonal Skills: Encourages healthy communication and relationship-building.
(Learn more: Positive Prevention Plus – High School)
How the Curriculum Was Chosen
RBUSD carefully evaluated multiple CHYA curriculum options. A District Advisory Committee was formed to make recommendations, including:
- 6 secondary school teachers (science & special education)
- 3 parents of secondary students
- 3 secondary school administrators
- RBUSD Executive Director of Educational Services
- Director of Youth Services, Beach Cities Health District
- Health Coordinator, Los Angeles County Office of Education
The California Healthy Youth Act was presented to the RBUSD Board of Education on September 11, 2018.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, please contact:
Jens Brandt
Director of Alternative Education Programs, Patricia Dreizler High School