School Health and Wellness: State and Federal Legislation and Policy

School Health and Wellness: State and Federal Legislation and Policy SB 09-163 requires, for the first time, the reporting of all non-tested content areas — including school health and wellness indicators — as measurements of school performance in state report cards. The law requires schools to post a link to their district wellness policy and to report on specific wellness services, including: • Opportunities for physical activity. • Existence of a wellness committee or team. • Required health education and physical education classes. • Availability of a licensed school nurse. • Availability of school-based health centers. • Participation in the USDA School Breakfast Program. Senate Bill 08-212: Colorado’s Achievement Plan for Kids (CAP4K). Signed into law in May 2008, CAP4K is a landmark education reform initiative that creates an aligned preschool to postsecondary educational system. The law establishes new standards and assessments that enable all students to graduate from high school with the skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s 21st century, competitive global economy (C.R.S. 22-7-1001 et seq.). SB 08-212 creates, for the first time, comprehensive health education and updated physical education content standards for Colorado. House Bill 07-1118: State High School Graduation Guidelines. As required in May 2013 by state statute (C.R.S. 22-2-106), the Colorado State Board of Education adopted a comprehensive set of revised guidelines to be used by each school district’s board of education in establishing requirements for students to receive a high school diploma. These guidelines call for high school students to demonstrate minimum academic competencies and skills, and successfully complete an Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) before graduation. Graduation requirements for all subject-matter areas or courses (such as physical education or health education) still are determined at the district level. CDE has created several resources to help schools and districts develop graduation guidelines. 4

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