State education leaders are seeking public input on a new curricular framework aimed at helping teachers, administrators, school nurses and others more effectively deliver lessons tied to California’s health education standards.
The latest draft of the Health Education Framework for California Public Schools is posted on the CDE’s website. Members of the public can review it and submit comments by email to healtheducationframework@cde.ca.gov.
The state’s Health Education Content Standards have been in place since 2008, describing the skills and concepts that all students should possess. Naturally they vary by grade level.
For example, the health standards say first-graders should be able to explain why sleep and rest are important for growth and good health. Students in grades seven and eight should be able to analyze the nutritional value of different foods and identify ways to increase daily physical activity. High schoolers should be able to demonstrate assertive communication skills to resist pressures to use alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
The Health Education Framework is intended to provide guidance for educators on how best to implement these standards, along with direction for the development of instructional materials, assessments and professional learning.
According to state officials, the framework reflects recent changes in the California Ed Code “and is responsive to the health concerns and needs of today’s 21st century student.”
The public comment period will remain open through Jan. 11, 2019, according to an announcement from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. The state Board of Education is scheduled to take action on the framework in May 2019.
For more information, visit the CDE Health Education Curriculum Framework webpage.