Students in grades kindergarten through 12 shall receive as part of their health education instruction about: personal health, food and nutrition, environmental health, safety and survival skills, consumer health, family life, human growth and development, substance abuse and non-use (including the effects of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and poisons on the human body), human sexuality, self-esteem, stress management, interpersonal relationships, emotional and social health, health resources, prevention and control of disease and communicable diseases (including sexually transmitted diseases and acquired immune deficiency syndrome), and current crucial health issues.
The purpose of the health education program is to help each student protect, improve, and maintain physical, emotional, and social well-being. The areas stated above shall be included in health education and the instruction will be adapted at each grade level to the age and maturity level of students to aid in their understanding of the content.
Parents, guardians, or legal custodians who object to health education instruction in human growth and development may file a written request that their student be excused from the instruction. The written request (Refer to Policy 603.11-E) shall include a proposed alternate activity or study acceptable to the superintendent [or designee]. The superintendent [or designee] will have final authority to determine the alternate activity or study.
Adopted: 6/90
Reviewed: 7/11; 9/12; 9/13; 2/15; 4/18; 6/21; 2/24
Revised: 7/08
Related Policy: 603.11-E
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 256.11; 279.08; 280.03-14; 281 IAC 12.5
IASB Reference: 603.05
Mandatory Policy