Comprehensive Health Education

The Governing Board believes that health education should foster the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that students need in order to lead healthy lives and avoid high-risk behaviors, and that creating a safe, supportive, inclusive, and nonjudgmental environment is crucial to promoting healthy development for all students. The district's health education program shall be part of a coordinated approach to student health which recognizes that mental health and social connection are critical to overall health, well-being, and academic success; supports the physical, mental, and social well-being of students; reflects the importance of digital and media literacy; and is linked to district and community services and resources. Goals for the district's health education program shall be designed to promote student wellness and shall include, but not be limited to, goals for nutrition promotion and education, physical activity, and other district-based activities that promote student well-being. Any health education course offered to middle school students shall include instruction in mental health that meets the requirements of Education Code 51925-51926, and as specified in Administrative Regulation 6143 - Courses of Study. The district shall provide a planned, sequential, research-based, and developmentally appropriate health education curriculum for students in grades K-8 that is aligned with the state's content standards and curriculum framework and integrated with other content areas of the district's curriculum. The Superintendent or designee shall determine the grade levels and subject areas in which health-related topics will be addressed, in accordance with law, Board policy, and administrative regulation. As appropriate, the Superintendent or designee shall involve school administrators, teachers, school nurses, health professionals representing various fields of health care, parents/guardians, community-based organizations, and other community members in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the district's health education program. Health and safety professionals may be invited to provide related instruction in the classroom, school assemblies, and other instructional settings. The Superintendent or designee shall provide professional development as needed to ensure that health education teachers are knowledgeable about academic content standards, the state curriculum framework, and effective instructional methodologies. The Superintendent or designee shall provide annual reports to the Governing Board regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the district's health education program, which may include, but not be limited to, a description of the district's program and the extent to which it is aligned with the state's content standards and curriculum framework, the amount of time allotted for health instruction at each grade level, student achievement of district standards for health education, and the manner in which the district's health education program supports the physical, mental, and social well-being of students. Parent/Guardian Notification and Opt-Out Parents/guardians shall be notified that they may request in writing to opt their students out of participating in instruction and assessments, including anonymous and confidential tests, questionnaires, and surveys, as specified in the accompanying administrative regulation. Students so excused shall be given an alternative educational activity. Additionally, a student shall not be subject to disciplinary action, academic penalty, or other sanction if the student's parent/guardian opts the student out of such instruction. (Education Code 51240, 51900.6, 51938, 51939)