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  • Title: AIDS/HIV education for preservice elementary teachers.
    Author: Ballard DJ, White DM, Glascoff MA.
    Journal: J Sch Health; 1990 Aug; 60(6):262-5. PubMed ID: 2232729.
    Abstract:
    Professional preparation programs should provide future elementary teachers opportunities to develop competence in dealing with school-related AIDS issues. Curriculum writers and instructors of preservice elementary teachers could be more effective if they were aware of this groups' beliefs about school-related AIDS issues. A survey was conducted to assess the beliefs and opinions of preservice elementary teachers about school-related AIDS issues. Subjects (n = 157) generally agreed they would eventually have a child with AIDS in their classroom and agreed AIDS education should be included in the elementary grades, yet a substantial number did not believe they understood the basics about AIDS. Less than one-third indicated they knew how to clean up blood or body fluids safely. About one-third indicated they would feel personally threatened to teach a student with AIDS. These results are reflected in recommended AIDS educational content and resources for preservice elementary teachers and future research in this area. Professional preparation programs should provide future elementary teachers opportunities to develop competence in dealing with school- related AIDS issues. Curriculum writers and instructors of preservice elementary teachers could be more effective if they were aware of this group's beliefs about school-related AIDS issues. A survey was conducted to assess the beliefs and opinions of preservice elementary teachers about school-related AIDS issues. 157 subjects volunteered to complete a questionnaire consisting of 4 demographic items--age, ethnicity, marital status and grade-level emphasis-- 20 items concerning school-related AIDS/HIV matters. Characteristics of this survey population include 97% females, 91% white, 41% between 21-22, 78% single, and 76% intending to teach grades k-3 with the remaining 24% intending to teach grades 4-6. Subjects generally agreed (75%) they would eventually have a child with AIDS in their classroom and agreed AIDS education should be included in the elementary grades, yet a substantial number (21%) did not believe they understood the basics about AIDS and only 50% stated they could comfortably answer elementary students' questions about AIDS. 1/3 indicated they knew how to clean up blood or body fluids safely, and 1/2 indicated they know how to protect themselves from AIDS in the classroom. About 1/3 indicated they would feel personally threatened to teach a student with AIDS. A significant positive relationship exists between perceived understanding of the basics of AIDs and belief that most children with AIDS pose no risk to other children in the classroom. About 1/2 agreed the principal, nurse, and teacher need to be informed, while almost 2/3 indicate personnel having direct contact with the child should be notified. These results are reflected in recommended AIDS educational content and resources for preservice elementary teachers and future research. Recommendations include education on AIDS' epidemic status, AIDs and HIV transmission preventive measures, and psychosocial issues. Research should examine the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of preservice elementary teachers and currently employed educational efforts. (author's modified).
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