California Set To Change Sex Education Guidance For Teachers

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The California State Board of Education is set to vote on new guidance for teaching sex education in public schools that some opponents are calling unnecessary and even obscene.

The guidance gives teachers advice about talking to kindergarteners about gender identity, discussing masturbation with middle-schoolers and recommending books that teach healthy practices for LGBT high schoolers.

The board meets Wednesday to consider a document designed to give teachers ideas to meet the state's health education standards. The guidance is not mandatory.

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The proposal has angered some parents and conservative groups who say it goes too far.

Equality California Communications Director Samuel Garrett-Pate said many parents support the changes. He said too often LGBTQ students don't receive information during sex education that teaches them about healthy practices.