Senator Sykes Testifies on Bill to Create Health Education Standards in Ohio
June 6, 2018
Vernon Sykes News
Today, State Senator Vernon Sykes (D-Akron) provided sponsor testimony on his bill to require the State Board of Education to create health education standards for K-12 schools in Ohio, Senate Bill 287, in the Senate Education Committee.
“Ohio is the only state in the nation that does not have health education standards,” said Senator Sykes. “Without these standards, Ohio is missing an opportunity to adequately prepare our students for a healthy lifestyle into adulthood.”
Health standards established in the bill would provide a framework for educators to follow when establishing district-specific curriculum that promotes health-enhancing behavior at all grade levels.
“We have a moral obligation, as lawmakers and public servants, to ensure that the state is providing a thorough education to our children,” said Senator Sykes. “The state must provide students with the tools they need to lead healthy lives and to understand the intricate benefits of mental and physical health.”
Local schools could choose to opt out and the legislation would not affect current laws governing sexual education.
“Ohio is the only state in the nation that does not have health education standards,” said Senator Sykes. “Without these standards, Ohio is missing an opportunity to adequately prepare our students for a healthy lifestyle into adulthood.”
Health standards established in the bill would provide a framework for educators to follow when establishing district-specific curriculum that promotes health-enhancing behavior at all grade levels.
“We have a moral obligation, as lawmakers and public servants, to ensure that the state is providing a thorough education to our children,” said Senator Sykes. “The state must provide students with the tools they need to lead healthy lives and to understand the intricate benefits of mental and physical health.”
Local schools could choose to opt out and the legislation would not affect current laws governing sexual education.