825: CALM/Health Human Sexuality
Responsible Administrator: Superintendent
PURPOSE
The primary responsibility for the teaching of human sexuality belongs to the family.
Instruction in human sexuality will only be provided to students when a parent/guardian has given explicit opt-in consent, in accordance with the Education Act.
The Program of Studies for CALM and Health Programs in Alberta identifies the outcomes of the program including human sexuality understandings.
PROCESS
The Principal will be responsible for maintaining the process.
PROCEDURE
1. Each school will provide clear, accessible information to parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow them to make an informed decision on their child’s participation in the human sexuality segments of the CALM and health programs.
2. The communication of this information to parent(s)/guardian(s) will occur a minimum of 30 days prior to the introduction of the human sexuality segments of the program. The notice will include: (a) the specific topics that deal primarily and explicitly with gender identity, sexual orientation, or human sexuality; (b) the planned date(s); and (c) the teacher(s) or presenter(s). Notice must be sent directly to parents and posted on the school website and, where applicable, in the school newsletter.
3. Once the information has been provided, the school will request a written opt-in from the parent(s)/guardian(s) of a student in a health or CALM course (Form 825-1). The parent/guardian may consent to all or part of the identified content. Students whose parent(s)/guardian(s) do not opt-in will be provided an alternate learning experience that meets curricular outcomes unrelated to the human sexuality segment(s).
4. If a school does not receive a written opt-in statement from the parent(s)/guardian(s), the school will make reasonable efforts to contact the parent(s)/guardian(s). If, at this point, the parent(s)/guardian(s) has not responded, the student will not be included in the human sexuality segments of the program and will be provided an alternate learning experience that meets curricular outcomes.
5. Principals shall not permit the use or provision of learning and teaching resources that deal primarily and explicitly with gender identity, sexual orientation, or human sexuality unless approved by the Minister. This Minister's approval for resources is not required when such resources are used to provide religious instruction; however, external parties require Minister approval in all cases. Where an external party is involved, both the resources and the party must be approved by the Minister.
6. The opt-in requirement does not apply to incidental or indirect references to gender identity, sexual orientation, or human sexuality that may arise spontaneously during classroom interaction.
7. Schools will retain records of parental opt-in decisions for the current school year in accordance with Division record-management and Access to Information (ATIA) requirements.
References:
Admin Procedure: 830 Controversial Issues in Education
Admin Procedure: 835 Challenge of Learning Resources
AP825: CALM/Health Human Sexuality - Exhibit 1 – Parental Opt-In Consent
Education Act: Section 58
Alberta Human Rights Act: 3(1), 3(2)
Alberta Education Guide to Education ECS to Grade 12
Access to Information Act (ATIA)
Access to Information Act Regulation 133/2025
History
2020 Jan 29 Initial Approval
2025 Aug 27 Amended
Administrative Procedures VIII. Curriculum and Instruction