Requires development of academic performance standards for health and family education for school years beginning with the 2024-25 school year
Impact
An essential component of HB883 is the establishment of a workgroup tasked with developing and recommending academic performance standards related to the newly named credit. This workgroup is intended to include a diverse set of stakeholders, such as educators from health education and family sciences, representatives from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and members from nonprofit organizations focused on public health and social services. The workgroup will develop curriculum frameworks that schools may adopt to enhance the educational experience surrounding health and family education.
Summary
House Bill 883 aims to amend Chapter 160 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by introducing a new section focused on health and family education. The bill requires the state board of education to change the name of the existing one-half unit of credit in health education to 'Health and Family Education' starting from the 2024-25 school year. This change reflects a broader emphasis on including family education within the health curriculum, acknowledging the importance of parental and family influences on health outcomes.
Contention
While the bill is generally viewed positively in terms of improving health education, it may face scrutiny regarding its execution and the adequacy of the standards developed. Critics may argue that without adequate resources and training for educators, the goals set forth by the workgroup could be challenging to achieve. Additionally, there may be concerns about the scope and comprehensiveness of the curriculum adopted, particularly in how it addresses pressing health issues affecting youth today, such as mental health and chronic disease management.