Health II is a required course for high school graduation. It is a .5 credit course. Health education provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for practicing lifelong, health-enhancing behaviors. The Health II curriculum focuses on what students can do for themselves to meet the objectives of the six state core standards and illustrates the impact their attitudes and behaviors have on the world around them. The curriculum builds on the foundation established in Health I with an advanced, age-appropriate focus. Students will learn that they are responsible for their personal well-being and that building a solid foundation of health literacy and decision-making skills can contribute to positive health choices throughout life. In addition, they will explore the impact their personal health has on society as a whole. Consumer health (e.g., evaluating the reliability of health information, identifying and assessing health resources and health-care providers, understanding media messages in advertising) is important and should be taught through all standards of the core.
Sex Education Sexuality instruction occurs within the health core curriculum area. What is human sexuality instruction? Utah State Rules define human sexuality instruction as "any course, unit, class, activity or presentation that provides instruction or information to students about sexual abstinence, human reproduction, reproductive anatomy, physiology, pregnancy, marriage, childbirth, parenthood, contraception or ... sexually transmitted diseases."
What is taught in sex education within CSD? Curricula are designed to be developmentally appropriate. In late elementary grades students are taught about physiological changes that occur in teen years as children transform into adults. In junior high school and high school students are taught about the importance of abstinence until marriage and fidelity after marriage to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Moral fortitude and refusal skills are emphasized. Utah law prohibits advocacy of condom use or alternative life styles that involve sexual acts outside of marriage.
Role of parents Parents are critical partners in instruction of human sexuality. Parents must sign permission for their children to participate in human sexuality instruction and have a right to view the curriculum. Research indicates that when parents develop strong relationships with, communicate regularly with, and monitor their children, decreased early sexual activity and fewer sexual partners result. Parents are encouraged to speak to their children about their beliefs and values concerning sexuality. If parents would like their adolescence to become knowledgeable about safe sex outside abstinence (such as use of condoms) it is incumbent upon them to provide such knowledge.
Two, half credit courses are required for high school graduation: "Participation, Skills, and Techniques" and "Fitness for Life." Through completing these courses, students will be able to demonstrate an ability to plan and implement different types of personal fitness programs, demonstrate competency in lifetime activities, describe key concepts associated with successful participation in physical activity, model responsible behavior while engaged in physical activity, and fill a need for self-expression, challenge, social interaction and enjoyment through physical activity.