The Board of Education is required to provide a program of health education that includes instruction concerning the misuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
Health education in elementary school grades is taught by regular classroom teachers.
The secondary school curriculum must include health education for all students. In addition to continued health guidance, provision must be made for a separate one-half year course in both junior and senior high school that is taught by teachers holding a certificate to teach health.
Schools must provide all students in grades kindergarten through twelve with appropriate instruction concerning acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Students may be excused from instruction concerning the methods of preventing AIDS if their parent or legal guardian files a written request with the Building Principal and gives assurances that such instruction will be given at home. An advisory council established by the Board will make recommendations concerning the content and evaluation of the AIDS program.
In recognition of the religious tenets of certain families, the Board, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Regents, shall excuse students from specific portions of the study of health and hygiene if such study is found to conflict with the religion of the parent. Such conflict must be certified by a proper representative of the religion.
Ref: Education Law §§804; 804-a
8 NYCRR §§135.3; 135.6
Adopted: February 26, 1996