Book Description

The purpose of this study is to raise HIV and AIDS awareness while evaluating the educational strategies and policies in Ohio public schools. Approximately 53,000 Americans acquire the HIV virus each year, and at least one in four Americans who are infected with the disease do not know it. Over half of the newly infected cases are between the ages of 13 and 19 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008).The opinions of Ohio School Board members were obtained through survey research inquiring about their beliefs on whether or not HIV/AIDS education should include a comprehensive component, which would include preventative measures in combination with abstinence education in the curriculum. In addition, participants were asked if they felt that they, as well as students, parents, and school personnel in their district, had an adequate awareness of the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS, including the current laws, Title IX, their districts' policies that protect infected students, and other specifics surrounding HIV prevention and awareness practices. The research revealed that over 75% of respondents are in support of preventative measures being included in Ohio's curriculum. In addition, participants overwhelmingly felt that their district was not adequately equipped with the necessary information surrounding HIV/AIDS related issues.