King County, Washington sex ed evaluation cost $4.8 million; program found ineffective

(The Center Square) – The U.S. government gave millions in federal grants to evaluate a popular comprehensive sex education curriculum developed by the county containing Seattle.

While evaluators found that the program did not change student behavior, the county continues to describe it as effective.

King County’s public health office received more than $4.8 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services between 2015 and 2019 to evaluate the behavioral and non-behavioral outcomes of students who participated in its FLASH program versus those who did not. 

As Chalkboard has previously reported, comprehensive sex education has been targeted by those who say it teaches students about sex and consent, which they say can lead to sexual activity. Proponents say it’s important to teach students everything they need to know for healthy relationships.