The effects of a teacher training program in family life and human sexuality on the knowledge and attitudes of public school teachers.

This study evaluated the effects of a teacher training program in family life and human sexuality. An attempt was made to determine the extent to which age, sex, race, marital status and years of teaching experience can be used to predict sex-related attitudes of teachers. Teachers who volunteered for a Title IV-C Teacher Training Program in Family Living and Human Sexuality were tested before and after the training program using a knowledge test and an attitude inventory. The pretest and posttest scores of the experimental teachers were compared with a control group to assess the degree of change. Results indicated the teachers who participated in the teacher training program made significant gains in sex-related knowledge. While no changes were evident in overall attitudes, the experimental teachers became more accepting of the practice of masturbation. A major finding in the study was the relationship between age and permissiveness of attitudes toward controversial issues.