Policy Language Includes:

The district recognizes that physical, social, emotional, and mental health are significant factors in the development of a total person. In a school situation, mental and physical health play an important role in the academic and social development of students. Consistent, skills-focused and standards-based health education for all students increases their readiness and ability to learn. The district believes that integrated health education is essential for all students to be career and college ready.

An evidence-informed, comprehensive health education program increases students' knowledge and skills related to physical, social, emotional and mental health, is instructive regarding accessing reliable health and wellness resources, and improves a student's decision-making and communications skills.

Comprehensive health education includes a planned, sequential health program of learning experiences in preschool through grade twelve, which shall be integrated across elementary, middle, and high school grade levels. Jeffco Public Schools health education program, including comprehensive human sexuality education, shall be age-appropriate, culturally and linguistically sensitive, and medically accurate, as defined by Colorado State Statute.

The health education program shall:

1. Be available to all students in all schools;

2. Promote involvement of families, parents, guardians, and/or other trusted adults;

3. Provide instruction that addresses the skills, topics and content outlined in Colorado Academic Standards and based on state and federal statutes (see Health Education Guidelines).

Each school will ensure all students have an equitable opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills to address their physical, social, emotional, and mental health.

The district will provide the necessary resources, facilities, and support to schools to implement health education in all schools. This includes curriculum and resources based on state standards, grade-level guidance for addressing health education content, local data (such as findings from the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, Healthy Schools Smart Source or similar) and professional learning opportunities. The district will communicate health education efforts across the district. The customary policies and regulations concerning the approval of new curriculum content, units, and materials shall apply to any health education courses offered by the district. Materials approved by the district will only be used at the designated grade level; teachers will not use unapproved materials.

Other Requirements

1. Instructional materials to be used in health education courses shall be available for review and inspection at school and/or district websites or buildings. A public forum shall be scheduled to receive public comments for significant changes to health education materials.

2. Parents/guardians of students shall be notified that the fifth grade growing and changing unit, the seventh grade and high school healthy decision making units have been scheduled, and that they may request that their child be exempt from a specific portion of the program on the grounds that it is contrary to their beliefs. Exemptions from health education classes shall be provided in accordance with regulation IMBB-R, Exemptions from Required Instruction.

3. Teachers who provide instruction in fifth, seventh and high school health education shall have professional preparation in the subject area, either at the pre-service or inservice level.