New Rule 6A-1.094121 F.A.C., Mental and Emotional Health Education: This new rule establishes minimum hours of required instruction related to mental and emotional health education for grades 6-12 students.
Mental & Emotional Health Education Frequently Asked Questions by FLDOE
School districts must annually provide a minimum of five (5) hours of instruction to students in grades 6-12 related to youth mental health awareness and assistance, including suicide prevention and the impacts of substance abuse.
Using the health education standards adopted in Rule 6A-1.09401, F.A.C., Student Performance Standards, the instruction for youth mental and emotional health will advance each year through developmentally appropriate instruction and skill building and must address, at a minimum, the following topics:
- Recognition of signs and symptoms of mental health disorders;
- Prevention of mental health disorders;
- Mental health awareness and assistance;
- How to reduce the stigma around mental health disorders;
- Awareness of resources, including local school and community resources;
- The process for accessing treatment;
- Strategies to develop healthy coping techniques;
- Strategies to support a peer, friend, or family member with a mental health disorder;
- Prevention of suicide; and
- Prevention of the abuse of and addiction to alcohol, nicotine, and drugs.
The School District of Lee County, as well as several other school Districts across the state, has chosen the Edgenuity Purpose Prep prevention curriculum to fulfill these requirements. Edgenuity Purpose Prep is a developmentally appropriate, comprehensive offering with unique lessons focused on equipping students with strategies, resources and awareness related to the topics prescribed in the State Board of Education Rules.