Draw the Line/Respect the Line

About | Curriculum

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Draw the Line/Respect the Line is an evidence-based sex education program for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students that focuses on developing interpersonal and intrapersonal skills so that teens can set sexual limits. The primary message that participants receive from the program is that postponing sexual activity during adolescence is the healthiest choice. Program sessions encourage participants to discuss social and peer pressures to have sex, show how to set limits and respect the limits of others, build refusal skills, and enhance skills to avoid risky situations.

6th Grade Draw the Line teaches students to identify and establish personal limits (“drawing the line”), respond to peer pressure, and respect other people’s boundaries, over the course of five lessons. There is no sexual health content in sixth grade.

7th Grade Draw the Line’s seven lessons build on the refusal skills learned in sixth grade by applying them to romantic pressure situations. Students also learn about STD prevention.

8th Grade Draw the Line’s seven lessons focus on HIV and pregnancy prevention, with a review of sexual pressure situations and strategies.

All three grades have short “homework” assignments that encourage students to talk to their parents/caregivers about the lessons.

In a school-based setting, the sixth grade program consists of five 45 minute lessons, while the seventh and eighth grade programs contain seven 45 minute lessons.

SexEdVA’s PREP and ARP programs utilize the DTLRTL curriculum.

Image description: In white text on a navy backround is the title “Draw the Line, Respect the Line” and the subtitle “grade level descriptions.” Underneath these are three light grey rectangles, each focused on a different grade. From left to right, the boxes read:6th gradeSixth grade lessons focus on identifying and establishing personal limits (“drawing the line”), responding to peer pressure, and respecting other people’s boundaries. Students learn a 4-step refusal process and then practice that process in a number of role plays. Sixth graders have two short homework assignments that involve interviewing a grown up at home. Students think about their personal limits by identifying healthy and unhealthy behaviors.7th gradeThe seventh grade lessons center around stories of couples facing relationship pressure, establishing and maintaining personal limits, practicing refusal skills in romantic situations, the impact of life choices, and information about preventing the transmission of STDs. Alcohol use and consent are also included. Students have two short homework assignments, one of which is a family activity. 8th gradeEighth grade Draw the Line focuses primarily on HIV/AIDS prevention, pregnancy prevention and methods of protection. Students learn factual, medical information about HIV/AIDS, and also consider the experiences of people living with HIV/AIDS. A broad overview of contraception is provided. Students learn about establishing and maintaining personal limits, practice refusal skills in romantic situations, and consider the impact of life choices.

Image description:

In white text on a navy backround is the title “Draw the Line, Respect the Line” and the subtitle “grade level descriptions.” Underneath these are three light grey rectangles, each focused on a different grade. From left to right, the boxes read:

6th grade

Sixth grade lessons focus on identifying and establishing personal limits (“drawing the line”), responding to peer pressure, and respecting other people’s boundaries. Students learn a 4-step refusal process and then practice that process in a number of role plays. Sixth graders have two short homework assignments that involve interviewing a grown up at home. Students think about their personal limits by identifying healthy and unhealthy behaviors.

7th grade

The seventh grade lessons center around stories of couples facing relationship pressure, establishing and maintaining personal limits, practicing refusal skills in romantic situations, the impact of life choices, and information about preventing the transmission of STDs. Alcohol use and consent are also included. Students have two short homework assignments, one of which is a family activity.

8th grade

Eighth grade Draw the Line focuses primarily on HIV/AIDS prevention, pregnancy prevention and methods of protection. Students learn factual, medical information about HIV/AIDS, and also consider the experiences of people living with HIV/AIDS. A broad overview of contraception is provided. Students learn about establishing and maintaining personal limits, practice refusal skills in romantic situations, and consider the impact of life choices.

Curriculum Preview — Draw the Line/Respect the Line

To preview the Draw the Line/Respect the Line curriculum, create a free account on the etr. website linked above. After creating an account, you will have access to the Draw the Line 30 Day Sample Access.

Lesson Preview — 3Rs: Rights, Respect, Responsibility

Students in Harrisonburg City Public Schools participating in the Draw the Line program will have the following lessons nested into their classes. The following lessons are not included in the Draw the Line program in Page County Public Schools. Preview the 3Rs Lessons by clicking the lesson titles below.