This document provides distance learning adaptations for the My Future-My Choice program lessons.

This lesson helps explain to students the most common sexual identity terms. It also explores how culture plays a part in our attitudes about gender roles and expectations. An understanding of these concepts is vital in any discussion about sexual feelings, attractions, relationships, behaviors and decision-making. This lesson sets the tone for an inclusive environment and affirms all young people. It also acknowledges the range of ways that people experience their sexuality.

This lesson contributes to anti-bullying and anti-harassment efforts by teaching about respect and support. There is a particular need to address these topics for those whose identities have been historically oppressed, such as: LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual and (+) other sexual and gender minorities), BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other People Of Color), and people with disabilities. The Oregon Health Education Standards require respect and support to be covered.
This lesson provides an opportunity for students to:
• Consider identity specific harassment and bullying among their peers.
• Reflect on how they felt when they were disrespected.
• Examine the school’s climate of safety and support.
Working together in small groups, students are asked to suggest ideas for change and improvement to promote a safe and inclusive environment for all.

Puberty brings a natural curiosity and growing sexual interest. Yet, young people are bombarded with various and often conflicting messages about sex and sexual behaviors. Some of the messages likely come from parents, guardians, schools and other responsible sources. However, they can often be drowned out by competing messages from media, peers and society. These often inaccurate, unrealistic and, in many cases, developmentally inappropriate views of sex can create pressure on young people to become sexually involved
with another person before they are ready. This lesson helps students differentiate among the many competing messages and messengers. It helps them become critical media and popular culture consumers. It also considers both the positive and negative impact social media can have on relationships and examines the risks of sexting.

Being able to identify characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships and recognize when someone might be in an unhealthy situation are important. This helps young people sustain good and nourishing friendships, family relationships, and romantic and sexual relationships. This lesson asks students to identify traits they look for in a relationship and qualities they can bring to a healthy relationship. It uses age-appropriate examples they may recognize from their own and their peers’ experiences to help them differentiate the sometimes blurry lines between healthy and unhealthy relationship traits. Finally, the lesson identifies different kinds of abuse. It encourages students to identify trusted adults they might turn to for help if they are in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, or if they are unsure if their relationship is healthy.