Legislation Strengthens Health Education in K-12 Schools

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On December 9, the United States Senate announced the passing of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and includes health as part of the need for a well-rounded education. This is the first time that health has been included as a “core subject.

Providing health education in school curriculum will help prevent obesity, tobacco use, alcohol use, and reduce other risky health behaviors. Also, teaching emotional and social skills can improve the academic behavior of students and increase their motivation to do well in school and on standardized tests.

“This legislation is a monumental victory for our nation’s children and schools,” said Elaine Auld, the CEO of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE). “Health and education are the bookends to student success. We look forward to working with state and local education agencies, superintendents, principals, and other education leaders to use these federal resources to fully integrate health education into K-12 curriculum.”

Physical education (PE) was also specified in the legislation as a well-rounded subject and provides support to PE programs mentioned in the previous ESEA. The bill was signed into law by President Barack Obama on December 10.

Recognition of health education in the legislation makes it clear that public schools can now use federal education funding on these types of classes, including teacher training.