New Required Instruction

Three State Board of Education rules related to health education topics have recently been approved for implementation beginning with the 2019–2020 school year. Comprehensive Health Education has included these topics as part of required instruction through section 1003.42 (2)(n) , Florida Statutes, but did not include an instructional time requirement or assurance mechanisms to verify instruction was being delivered.

Mental & Emotional Health Education – Rule 6A-1.094121, F.A.C. was approved by the State Board of Education on July 17, 2019. This rule establishes a minimum of five hours of required instruction related to mental and emotional health education for students in grades 6–12 and institutes procedures for school districts to document planning and delivery of instruction. Decisions about which course(s) and curricula will be used are determined at the district level.

Substance Use & Abuse Education – Rule 6A-1.094122, F.A.C. was approved by the State Board of Education on August 21, 2019. This rule requires districts to annually provide instruction to students in grades K–12 related to youth substance use and abuse, and establishes procedures for documenting instruction. Instruction should advance each year through developmentally appropriate lessons aligned with the health education standards found at please click link here. Curriculum decisions are made at the district level.

Child Trafficking Prevention Education – Rule 6A-1.094123, F.A.C. was approved by the State Board of Education on September 20, 2019. This rule requires annual instruction for grades K–12 on child trafficking prevention and awareness, with procedures for documenting planning and delivery. Instruction should be developmentally appropriate and aligned with standards at please click link here.