We work with school districts to implement abstinence-plus sex education because it works.

National studies show that abstinence-only-until-marriage programs have been woefully ineffective in reducing teen birth and rates of sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs). Students that complete abstinence-only programs are as likely as their peers to engage in sexual activity before marriage and are less likely to use contraceptives when they do become sexually active.

Conversely, abstinence-plus sex education programs can delay sexual initiation and reduce risky sexual behaviors, such as engaging in sex with multiple partners and having unprotected sex.

A Statewide Issue

Mississippi has always had some of the highest rates of teen pregnancies and HIV/STD infections in the nation. School districts that adopt the CHART policy will provide evidence-based, medically accurate, abstinence-plus sex education that is proven to change student sexual behaviors.

How We Can Help

School districts that adopt CHART receive the evidence-based curricula, training for relevant staff, and on-going technical assistance from the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). This is all free of cost through the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) grant.

To date, 21 school districts have adopted and implemented CHART and over 15,000 students have received CHART abstinence-plus instruction.

Become a CHART District

In order for school districts to participate in the CHART program and receive PREP funding support and assistance, they must take four important steps.

STEP 1:  ADOPT THE CHART POLICY

School districts must adopt the CHART Policy by a majority vote of their school board.

STEP 2: SIGN A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH MSDH

School districts that have adopted the CHART Policy must sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Mississippi State Department of Health in order to become an official part of the CHART program and to receive PREP funds. When MSDH has a signed MOU on file for a district, MSDH is able to allocate and expend funds for that district.

STEP 3: COMPLETE AND RETURN IMPLEMENTATION MILESTONES PLAN

Within 45 days of the start of the new school year, schools should complete and return the Implementation Milestones Plan found in the CHART Implementation Guide.

STEP 4: CONDUCT IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION

Districts with a signed MOU begin the process of implementation and ready themselves for evaluation with the help of MSDH.

Visit our Curriculum page to learn more about the requirements that school districts must meet in order to implement CHART.

Contact Us

To learn more about CHART or ask questions about the program, contact Josh McCawley at josh@teenhealthms.org or call 601-398-9008 ext. 104.