Human Growth and Development
Wisconsin Resources
Human Growth and Development Resource
Human Growth and Development Resource (2026) This resource guide was designed to help local school districts develop, review, and address issues related to their human growth and development (HGD) program. Also, this guide will help in building a multi-strategy approach to addressing youth risk behaviors and promoting the health, well-being, and positive development of students.
Youth Risk Behavior Survey
The Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is conducted as part of a national effort by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor health-risk behaviors of the nation's high school students. These behaviors, in turn, result in the most significant causes of both mortality and morbidity during youth and adulthood. The behaviors monitored by the Wisconsin YRBS include mental health, traffic safety, weapons and violence, suicide, tobacco use, alcohol and other drug use, sexual behavior, nutrition, and exercise. The DPI Youth Risk Behavior Survey site provides slide sets and reports of the statewide youth data.
School Health Profiles
The School Health Profiles (Profiles) assists state and local education and health agencies in monitoring and assessing characteristics of school health education; physical education and physical activity; school health policies related to HIV infection/AIDS, tobacco-use prevention, bullying and sexual harassment, and nutrition; health services; school health coordination; and family and community involvement in school health programs. Two questionnaires are used to collect data: one questionnaire is designed for school principals and the other for lead health education teachers. The DPI School Health Profiles site provides slide sets and reports of the statewide data.
My Sexual Health, My Future
My Sexual Health: My Future is a middle school and high school human growth and development curriculum that was developed in accordance with Wisconsin state statutes and with input from Wisconsin health education teachers. The curriculum includes skills practice as well as information on development, healthy relationships, sexually transmitted diseases including HIV, condoms and contraception, and personal safety. The following links are to the unit introduction and middle and high school sequences. Be sure to have this curriculum reviewed and updated by your local Human Growth and Development Advisory Committee before implementing.
Providers and Teens Communicating for Health (PATCH)
Providers and Teens Communicating for Health (PATCH) firmly believes that all young people deserve quality, youth-friendly healthcare services and thus provides communities an innovative, positive youth development approach to improving adolescent healthcare experiences. Specifically, PATCH has developed programming and workshops to improve the communication and overall relationship between adolescents and healthcare providers. Each aspect of PATCH programming is designed to engage, educate, and empower young people to raise their voices.
GSAFE
GSAFE provides workshops to help educators understand, assess, and improve school climate and safety for all youth, especially those who identify as LGBTQ.
National Resources
Advocates for Youth: Advocates for Youth is a national, youth-serving organization focused on human growth and development, offering free resources including the Rights, Respect, and Responsibility (3Rs) curriculum.
National Coalition of STD Directors: The National Coalition of STD Directors is a national, public health membership organization, providing resources on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention.
Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is a national organization primarily known for its 24/7 crisis support for LGBTQIA+ youth, in addition to resources and research on suicide prevention, mental health, and supports for LGBTQIA+ youth.