Choose three of the characteristics of successful sex education programs and describe why you believe each would make the program a success

What will be an ideal response

Focus narrowly on reducing one or more sexual behaviors that lead to unintended pregnancy or HIV/AIDS infection. • Base the program on theoretical approaches developed to treat other risky behavior, such as cognitive behavioral theory, which rewards changes in thought and behavior. • Give a clear message about sexual activity and condom or contraceptive use and continually reinforce that message. • Provide basic, accurate information about risks and methods to avoid intercourse or pregnancy and STDs. • Include activities that teach how to deal with social pressures, such as information that helps them refute frequently used lines like "everybody does it" or activities that generate peer support for withstanding social pressures. • Model and provide practice in negotiation and refusal skills, such as how to say no, how to insist on condoms or other contraception, and how to make sure body language supports the verbal message. • Use a variety of teaching methods to involve participants and personalize the information. • Incorporate behavioral goals, teaching methods and materials that are specific to the age, culture and sexual experience of the students. • Run the program over a sufficient period of time (at least 14 hours spread over several weeks). • Train teachers, youth workers, or peer leaders (generally for at least six hours) who believe in the program.