Education: other; recommended model core academic curriculum content standards for health education and certain guidelines for health education; modify. Amends sec. 1170a of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1170a).
The bill's implementation will introduce significant changes to the way health education is delivered in Michigan schools. It emphasizes hands-on training in CPR and first aid, based on nationally recognized guidelines. Schools will leverage local resources, such as firefighters, paramedics, and nurses, to fulfill these educational requirements. Furthermore, instruction aimed at obtaining CPR certification must be conducted by an authorized instructor, ensuring that students gain credible skills in life-saving techniques.
House Bill 4107 seeks to amend the Revised School Code of Michigan, specifically focusing on health education for students in grades 7 to 12. This legislation mandates that schools provide instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). By the start of the 2017-2018 school year, the Department of Education is required to ensure that these topics are incorporated into the academic curriculum, enhancing students' preparedness for emergency situations involving cardiac events.
While the bill is largely centered around improving public health education, it does raise certain points for discussion. One notable aspect is the requirement that schools integrate psychomotor skills into the CPR instruction, which could necessitate additional training for educators delivering the course. The bill also provides flexibility by exempting fully online programs from the psychomotor training requirement, a provision that might lead to concerns about the adequacy of training received by students in various learning environments. Stakeholders may debate whether the balance between flexibility and comprehensive training is adequately struck.
Moreover, there may be discussions around the potential costs to schools to implement these requirements effectively, particularly in ensuring the availability of qualified instructors and the necessary training equipment. As the bill progresses through legislative processes, educators, lawmakers, and health professionals will likely continue to assess its implications for student safety and health education standards in Michigan.