Littleton Public Schools Policy

Policy Code    IHAM Policy Name    Health Education Adoption            December 1, 1992 Revised

The Board is committed to a comprehensive health education and health service program as an integral part of each student’s general education. The health education program should emphasize a contemporary approach to health information and the skills and knowledge necessary for students to understand and appreciate the functioning and proper care of the human body.

In addition, the student shall be presented with information regarding complex social, physical, and mental health problems which will be encountered in society. In health education, students should examine the potential health hazards of social, physical, and mental situations which exist in the broad school-community environment and learn to make intelligent, viable choices on alternatives of serious personal consequence.

The Board believes that the greatest opportunity for effective health education lies within the public schools because of the opportunity to reach almost all children at an age where positive, lifelong health habits may be engendered and the availability of qualified personnel to conduct health education programs and health services. Good health is a dynamic, not a static, quality and, therefore, depends upon continuous, lifelong attention to scientific advances and acquisition of new knowledge.

In addition to the requirements listed below, the customary policies and regulations concerning the approval of new curriculum content, units, and materials shall apply to any comprehensive health education courses offered by the District:

      Instructional materials to be used in comprehensive health education courses shall be available for inspection by the public during school hours. A public forum shall be scheduled to receive public comments prior to the Board approving the curriculum and textbooks.

      Parents/guardians of all students shall be notified that such a course has been scheduled and that they may request that their child be exempt from all or part of the course.

      If, after a review of materials used and a conference with the instructor and principal, a parent/guardian requests that his/her child not participate in a given aspect of the course, an alternative educational assignment shall be arranged for the student with the approval of the principal.

      Teachers who provide instruction in comprehensive health education shall have professional preparation in the subject area, either at the preservice or in-service level.

Legal Reference:  C.R.S. 22-25-106 (4)

                           C.R.S. 22-25-110 (2)

Cross Reference: IGA, Curriculum Development

                           IGD, Curriculum Adoption

                           JHC, Student Health Services and Requirements, and Subcodes