<HTML>I have been following the discussion about teaching sex education and
issues of drug abuse in Day Schools. Having run a drug education
program in the 80's for Jewish schools and having been Educational
Director for a modern orthodox high school where sex education was a
part of the curriculum, I have learned -- by experience -- the
elements that are necessary for an effective program.
Some brief observations:
1. Both these areas involve teaching values. Values must be taught
using methods that result in INTEGRATION of values, not merely
knowledge. Adolescents KNOW what behaviors are inappropriate between
sexes and they KNOW the downside of experimental drug use. That's why
programs which just impart information -- medical, psychological or
religious -- have little effect. Typically, neither school staff and
nor outside speakers are trained in specific methods of teaching
values.
2. Adolescents are most sensitive to peer approval and disapproval.
Speaking to a whole class -- even with informal discussion -- tends to
fall flat because kids are concerned about what their friends are
thinking and they either show off or remain quiet. Honest discussion
is quite difficult. In other words, a great deal of thought needs to
be given to the composition of the group when these topics are
discussed.
3. Adolescents are quite sensitive to the image of the speaker. If
their sense is that the speaker will have a prescribed agenda and
preach to them (like the Rabbi, religious counselor, ex-addict, parent
who is a medical professional, etc.), the kids say to themselves: "I
know what he or she is going to say" and shut down. It is critical to
carefully choose a speaker with whom the students can identify as
open, interested and a good listener -- who understands the real world
of the adolescent and does not come across as merely a representative
of the "establishment". If such a person conveys Jewish values, it is
more likely to be accepted.
4. Adolescents are mini-philosophers. An approach which is dogmatic,
monolithic and prescribed will not be appealing. An approach which
allows honest communication, debate, differing opinions and logical
arguments has the best chance of affecting the student's thinking and
feeling. Yes, this openness is more uncomfortable in certain schools,
but there is no alternative that is more effective. We used techniques
of moral education (specifically dilemma discussion techniques) to
provide the atmosphere most conducive to transmitting Jewish values.
Every school is different, so programs need to be customized to your
student population. I would be happy to share more detailed guidelines
with those of you in the field who are interested in implementing such
a program in your school. I can be contacted at the e-mail address in
the header.
Steve Bailey, Ph.D.
Jerusalem (on leave)
^~*^~*^~*^~*^~*^~*^~*^~*^~*^~*^~*^~*
Dr. Steve Bailey & Dr. Feigie Zilberstein (ZilberBaileys)
6a Wedgewood St. Jerusalem 93108</HTML>
