Instruction     
Administrative Regulation No. 6142.8 
Regulation Reviewed:  August 17, 2006

COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH EDUCATION

Content of Instruction

The district's health education program shall include instruction to aid students in making decisions in matters of personal, family and community health, including the following topics:  (Education Code 51890)

1.    The use of health care services and products

2.    Mental and emotional health and development

3.    Use and misuse of drugs, including tobacco and alcohol

(cf. 3513.3 - Tobacco-Free Schools)
(cf. 5131.6 - Alcohol and Other Drugs)

4.    Family health and child development, including the legal and financial aspects and responsibilities of marriage and parenthood

(cf. 5146 - Pregnant/Parenting Students)

5.    Oral health, vision, and hearing

6.    Nutrition, which may include related topics such as obesity and diabetes prevention

(cf. 5030 - Student Wellness)

7.    Exercise, rest, and posture

(cf. 6142.7 - Physical Education)

8.    Diseases and disorders, including sickle cell anemia and related genetic diseases and disorders

9.    Environmental health and safety

10.    Community health

Instruction also shall include injury prevention and safety, which may include but not be limited to prevention of brain and spinal cord injuries, hearing conservation, and avoidance of overexposure to sun.

Exemption from Health Instruction

Upon written request from a parent/guardian, a student shall be excused from any part of the school's health instruction that conflicts with his/her religious training and beliefs, including personal moral convictions. (Education Code 51240)

(cf. 5020 - Parent Rights and Responsibilities)

Students so excused shall be given an alternative educational activity.


Involvement of Health Professionals

The district’s health education program shall be designed to actively involve the community, including professional health and safety personnel, in course evaluation. (Education Code 51913)

Health care professionals also shall be involved in the development and implementation of the district's health education plan and in course evaluation. Such professionals shall represent, at the district's option, the varied fields of health care, including voluntary collaborations with managed health care and health care providers; local public and private health, safety, and community service agencies; and other appropriate community resources. (Education Code 51913)

Health care professionals, health care service plans, health care providers, and other entities participating in a voluntary initiative with the district are prohibited from communicating about a product or service in a way that is intended to encourage persons to purchase or use the product or service.  However, the following activities may be allowed:  (Education Code 51890)

1.    Health care or health education information provided in a brochure or pamphlet that contains the logo or name of a health care service plan or health care organization, if provided in coordination with the voluntary initiative  

2.    Outreach, application assistance, and enrollment activities relating to federal, state, or county-sponsored health care insurance programs