Bill Text: NJ A4446 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Requires health curriculum for public school students in grades kindergarten through 12 to include instruction on mental health.*
Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Democrat 13-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-06-20 - Substituted by S2861/3081 (SCS) [A4446 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2018-A4446-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman GARY S. SCHAER
District 36 (Bergen and Passaic)
SYNOPSIS
Requires school districts to provide instruction on mental health as part of health education curriculum.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning mental health education in public schools and supplementing chapter 35 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. The board of education of a school district shall provide instruction on mental health as part of the district's implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education. The health instruction provided by a school district shall recognize the multiple dimensions of health by including mental health and the relationship of physical and mental health so as to enhance student understanding, attitudes, and behaviors that promote health, well-being, and human dignity.
b. Within 180 days of the effective date of this act, the State Board of Education shall review and update the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education to ensure the incorporation of instruction in mental health in an appropriate place in the curriculum of elementary school, middle school, and high school students. In its review, the State board shall consult with mental health experts including, but not limited to, representatives from the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Health.
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill requires school districts to provide instruction on mental health as part of their implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education. Under the bill, the health instruction provided by a school district must recognize the multiple dimensions of health by including mental health and the relationship of physical and mental health so as to enhance student understanding, attitudes, and behaviors that promote health, well-being, and human dignity.
The bill directs the State Board of Education, within 180 days of the bill's effective date, to review and update the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education to ensure the incorporation of instruction in mental health in an appropriate place in the curriculum of elementary school, middle school, and high school students. In its review, the State board is directed to consult with mental health experts including, but not limited to, representatives from the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Health.
