(Washington, DC) - The DC State Board of Education (SBOE) is pleased to announce a number of upcoming town hall meetings to discuss recently released health education standards for District of Columbia students. Each meeting will begin with a presentation from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) about the new standards. Members of the public will have the opportunity to ask questions related to the standards.
The SBOE approved the current version of the Health Education Standards in 2007. Since then, changes in education standards, and data on District students’ health outcomes, show a pressing need for more robust health education standards. To reflect this changing landscape and need, OSSE’s Division of Health & Wellness drafted new health education standards with the support of various community stakeholders and other District agencies.
The first town hall, on February 10 from 4:30 pm to 6 pm at 441 4th Street, NW, 11th Floor, will be co-hosted by the Student Advisory Committees of the SBOE and the Public Charter School Board. This town hall is designed to be a forum for District students, and students of all ages and grades are welcome to attend.
The second of these town halls will be held at the Watha T. Daniel Shaw Library at 1630 7th St NW on February 11 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. SBOE President Jack Jacobson will host the town hall and will discuss the standards’ attention to bullying and gun safety.
The third town hall will be held at the William O. Lockridge/Bellevue Neighborhood Library at 115 Atlantic St SW from 3:30 pm to 5 pm on February 20. SBOE Ward 8 member Tierra Jolly will host the town hall and will discuss the standard’s nutrition and physical health portions.
Additional town hall meetings to discuss the health education standards may be planned as well; please check the SBOE website to stay informed of events near you.
The State Board of Education provides policy leadership, support, advocacy, and oversight of public education to ensure that every student is valued and learns the skills and knowledge necessary to become informed, competent, and contributing global citizens. More information about the SBOE can be found at http://sboe.dc.gov.