Jessica D Cozzens, MPH, Oregon Health & Sciences Univeristy, 1131 SE 27th Ave, Portland, OR 97214, 503.319.1367, cozzensj@ohsu.edu

Sexuality and its consequences, such as pregnancy and STDs, weigh heavily on the minds of adolescents. School environments play important roles in preventing these consequences because school connectedness, or a sense of belonging within the school, has been linked with decreased practices of risky behavior. Recognizing this, the National Education Association Health Information Network wishes to develop a training package for NEA’s student members that would enable them to adequately discuss issues of sexual health with their students. Before this can be done, a needs assessment must be conducted to determine what these members already know. The current study undertook this needs assessment. A cross-sectional survey was administered to NEA student members. The results indicated that very few teachers-in-training are required to take courses covering issues related to sexual health, that the majority of them understand the connection between an adolescents’ sexual decision-making and her/his school performance, that they anticipate questions relating to sexuality being raised in the classroom and want to be prepared to answer these questions, and that they know some information about adolescent sexuality but could benefit from more training in this area. Because of problems with survey distribution, the survey was completed by few student members. Therefore, these results should not be taken as an accurate description of teachers-in-training and the study should be repeated before a training package is developed. Recommendations of changes to be made in the study design when the study is repeated are given.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Discuss the relationship between school connectedness and risky behavior among students.
• Recognize the importance of every teacher being able to accurately answer her/his students’ questions on adolescent sexuality.
• Assess the ability of teachers in her/his school to discuss issues of sexuality with students.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Education Association Health Information Network, National Education Association Student Program
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.