Comprehensive skills-based health education is a planned and sequential set of learning experiences focused on developing the skills needed to live healthy lives. Supporting students’ health literacy is a critical part of a well-rounded education.
The skills developed in comprehensive skills-based health education programs include:
Analyzing Influences
Self-Management
Interpersonal Communication
Decision Making
Goal Setting
Accessing Valid and Reliable Resources
Advocacy for Self and Others
Provide an instructional program in comprehensive health education yearly for all students in Prekindergarten through 8th grade that meets the requirements of the State Framework.
Offer a comprehensive health education program for students in grades 9 through 12 to enable them to meet graduation requirements (1.0 credits) and select health education electives.
Provide access to the comprehensive health education curriculum for non-diploma-bound students.
Establish a joint committee of educators and representatives of the community to review and comment on instructional materials for the family life and human sexuality unit. If approval of instructional materials is necessary, it shall occur according to local policy;
Provide an opportunity for
parents/guardians to view instructional materials used in teaching family life and human sexuality, including the topic of gender identity and expression;
Establish
opt-out policies, guidelines, and procedures for instruction on family life and human sexuality; and
Make arrangements to permit students opting out of the objectives related to family life and human sexuality to receive instruction concerning menstruation.
Contact:
Jason Semanoff
Director of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education
Office: (410) 767-0327
jason.semanoff@maryland.gov
Suzannah Ward
Coordinator of Comprehensive Health Education
Office: (410) 767-0527
suzannah.ward@maryland.gov