Students who participated in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District?s sex education program displayed more knowledge and better attitudes about safer-sex practices than non-participants, according to a new study. Since 2006, the district has offered a graduated K-12 sex education program, initially teaching students about their bodies and inappropriate touching and in later years moving on to relationships and STDs.

The study, conducted by Philliber Research Associates, found that more than 75 percent of parents of K-6 students approved of the program. The AIDS Funding Collaborative paid for the study.

The study vindicates Cleveland?s comprehensive sex education program, said supporters. The Collaborative for Comprehensive School Age Health, a coalition of northeast Ohio groups that advocate for comprehensive, abstinence-inclusive sex education, said the study proves the efficacy of such programs.

Program advocates criticized two measures being considered by the GOP-controlled state Senate. One would require the state Department of Education to apply for federal abstinence-only sex education funds. The Senate also wants to continue requiring legislative approval for any changes to health education, a policy the Democratic-controlled House and Gov. Ted Strickland (D) would like to see changed.

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