HIGH SCHOOL PARENT NOTIFICATION OF ABUSE AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION INSTRUCTION

Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) of the 87th Texas Legislative Session requires school districts to educate students in the prevention of child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking. This instruction must be given at least once in middle school and again in high school. The Texas Education Knowledge and Skills for Health Education also includes topics related to abuse and violence prevention.

Katy ISD high school students are required to complete one semester of health to fulfill their graduation requirements. Instruction on these TEKS will occur during the semester in which the student is enrolled in the high school health course.

All lessons are aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and meet the state’s mandated requirements. Texas Health Skills for High School by Goodheart-Wilcox is the Katy ISD-approved curriculum resource. Parents can review the health curriculum materials on each individual campus by request. Parents must give permission for their student to participate in the instruction on child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking. The district will share information regarding parent education opportunities, dates of the scheduled lessons, and the procedure to opt-in your student for the scheduled lessons at least 14 days prior to instruction.

Awareness and education on abuse and violence are key to prevention and intervention. The content is intended to facilitate dialogue between children and their parents or guardians about personal safety concerns. It is a priority for Katy ISD to partner with our families and community to create a safety net for our students.