Health Education courses in Anne Arundel County Public Schools are focused on building health-literate individuals. All middle school students receive health instruction for a minimum of 22 days (one quarter) as part of the state-mandated Comprehensive Skills-Based Health Education program. Course outcomes are developmentally appropriate and are based on health skills and concepts in the following areas:

• Mental and Emotional Health

• Substance Abuse Prevention

• Family Life and Human Sexuality*

• Safety and Violence Prevention

• Healthy Eating

• Disease Prevention and Control

Comprehensive Skills-Based Health Education supports and promotes health enhancing behaviors for all students. The health skills embedded in the units include analyzing influences, accessing information, interpersonal communication, decision making, goal setting, self-management, and advocacy.

*The family life and human sexuality unit is developed in accordance with the standards and procedures established in Maryland State Regulation 13A.04.18.01. Students may be excused from this unit of the program upon written request from their parent or guardian. Appropriate alternate instruction will be provided.