Hawaii Senate Bill SR38

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement A Statewide Behavioral Health Curricula Plan For Public School Students In Grades Kindergarten Through Twelve.

Impact

The proposed curriculum aims to include a wide array of subjects pertinent to students' health and well-being, such as mental and emotional health, personal wellness, safety, violence prevention, and substance abuse prevention. By addressing these topics in an age-appropriate manner, the resolution seeks to foster a comprehensive understanding among students regarding their feelings, self-care, and seeking help when needed. This legislative move is expected to create a more informed and resilient youth population capable of navigating health challenges effectively.

Summary

Senate Resolution 38 requests the Department of Education in Hawaii to develop and implement a statewide behavioral health curricula plan targeting students in grades K-12. The resolution underscores the significance of educating students on various aspects of behavioral health in light of rising mental health challenges, particularly accelerated by factors such as social media usage, academic pressure, and limited access to mental health resources. This initiative is aimed at equipping students with knowledge about managing their mental and emotional well-being.

Contention

One notable point in discussions surrounding SR38 includes the adequate training and qualifications required for teachers to deliver this sensitive subject matter effectively. The resolution specifies only qualified health instructors should teach behavioral health courses. This is imperative to ensure students receive accurate, conscientious information while raising concerns about the availability of suitably trained personnel ready to implement this new curriculum across Hawaii's public school system. Additionally, the adaptation of existing courses to integrate behavioral health education could present logistical challenges for school administrations.