Mandate: Statute 33-1605 (no date available) requires all school districts to provide instruction in health and physical fitness. State Board of Education Administrative Rule 08.02.03.104 (1997) requires instruction in health education for students in grades K- 8. State Board of Education Administrative Rule 08.02.03.105.01 (2010) (page 13) requires a one credit course in positive health habits for graduation from high school.

Curriculum Content: The Idaho Content Standards for Health Education (2010) sets uniform content standards for health education for elementary, middle, and high school. Curriculum review is conducted in six year cycles as documented in State Board of Education Administrative Rule 08.02.03.128.01 (page 32).

State Assessment Requirement: None.

Mandate: Statute 33-1605 (no date available) requires all school districts to provide instruction in health and physical fitness. State Board of Education Administrative Rules 08.02.02.104.01-04 (page 10-11) state requires Physical Education in elementary schools and middle/junior high schools and at the high school, Physical Education is required to be offered as an elective under other required instructional offerings.

Exemptions: None specified.
 
Curriculum Content: The Idaho Content Standards for Physical Education (2010) sets uniform content standards for physical education for elementary, middle, and high school. Curriculum review is conducted in six year cycles as documented in State Board of Education Administrative Rule 08.02.03.128.01 (page 32).

Not specifically required.

State Board of Education and the Idaho State Legislature adopted the Idaho Health Education Standards (2010), mental and social wellness are included in the core concepts to be taught to students in grades K-12. Mental, emotional and social well-being are foundations for building good health. These foundations include a sense of security, identity, belonging, purpose and competence in order to strive toward a healthy and productive life. Knowledge and skills may include emotional intelligence, suicide prevention, stress management, communication skills, conflict resolution, and mental illness.

Character Education: Idaho has no specific policy requiring character education; however, Statute 33-1612 requires public schools to instill certain basic values, such as honesty and unselfishness, in students.

Mandate: Prevention of pregnancy and STDs including HIV is addressed in Statute 33-1608 (2001) states that the primary responsibility for family life and sex education, including moral responsibility, rests upon the home and the church and the schools can only complement and supplement those standards which are established in the family. The decision as to whether or not any program in family life and sex education is to be introduced in the schools is a matter for determination at the local district level by the local school board of duly selected representatives of the people of the community.

Curriculum Content: The state does not require schools to follow a specific curriculum for such instruction, nor does it provide a suggested framework. Idaho does not have limitations on what can or cannot be included in the instruction.  Statute 33-1608 states the major emphasis in such a program should be to assist the home in giving them the knowledge and appreciation of the important place the family home holds in the social system of our culture, it’s place in the family and the responsibility which will be there much later when they establish their own families.  The program should supplement the work in the home and the church in giving youth the scientific, physiological information for understanding sex and its relation to the miracle of life, including knowledge of the power of the sex drive and the necessity of controlling that drive by self-discipline and should focus upon helping youth acquire a background of ideals and standards and attitudes which will be of value to him now and later when he chooses a mate and establishes his own family.

Parental Approval: Statute 33-1611 (2003) Any parent or legal guardian who wishes to have his child excused from any planned instruction in sex education may do so upon filing a written request to the school district board or trustee and the board of trustees shall make available the appropriate forms for such a request. Alternative educational endeavors shall be provided for those excused.

Alcohol: Statute 33-1605 (2002) requires all school districts to provide instruction on the effects of alcohol on the human system. Alcohol use prevention is mentioned throughout the Health Standards.

Tobacco: Statute 33-1605 requires all school districts to provide instruction on the effects of tobacco on the human system. Tobacco use prevention is mentioned throughout the Health Standards.

Drugs: Statute 33-1605 requires all school districts to provide instruction on the effects of stimulants and narcotics on the human system. Drug use prevention is mentioned throughout the Health Standards.

Bullying/Harassment: Not specifically required.

Fighting/Gangs: Not specifically required.

Suicide and Other Self-Abuse Prevention: State Board of Education and Idaho State Legislative adoption of the Idaho Health Education Standards (2010) requires high school students learn methods for addressing mental and emotion concerns, including suicide. Mental, emotional and social well-being are foundations for building good health. These foundations include a sense of security, identity, belonging, purpose and competence in order to strive toward a healthy and productive life. Knowledge and skills may include emotional intelligence, suicide prevention, stress management, communication skills, conflict resolution, and mental illness.

Professional Development: None specified.

Pre-service Requirement: The minimum requirement for prospective health teachers in elementary grades prior to licensure is a bachelor's degree, with no additional coursework in health. For prospective teachers in middle or high school grades, the manual requires a minor in health in addition to a bachelor's degree. The specific details of initial licensure are on the DOE website.

Professional Development: The state does require health education teachers to complete 6 semester hours related to health education for certification renewal according to the DOE website.

Pre-service Requirement: None specified.

Professional Development: None specified.

Pre-service Requirement: The Idaho State Board of Education Rule 08, Title 02, Chapter 02 (2009) outlines the requirements for a school nurse endorsement. A candidate must possess a valid RN license, and a bachelor's degree in nursing, education or a health-related program from an accredited institution. A candidate may also qualify for endorsement with a valid RN license and nine semester credit hours from a college in at least three of the following areas: health program management, child and adolescent health issues, counseling, psychology or social work, or methods of education instruction.  Two years relevant experience is also required. Statute 54-1408 (2002) provides the qualifications for licensure as a professional nurse (registered nurse) by requiring the successful completion of a professional nursing education program, the passing of a board approved examination, and being in the state of sound physical and mental health.

Student-to-Nurse Ratio: None specified.

Pre-service Requirement: None specified.

Professional Development: None specified.

Pre-service Requirement: State Board of Education Rule 08, Title 02, Chapter 02 (2009) requires school counselors to have a master's degree and completion of an approved graduate program in school guidance and counseling from a college or university approved by the State Board of Education or by the educational agency in which the program was completed. This program must include the successful completion of 700 clock hours of supervised field experience, 75% of which must have been in a K-12 school setting. Previous counseling experience may be considered to offset the field experience clock-hour requirement. An institutional recommendation is also required. 

Pre-service Requirement: Idaho State Board of Education Rule 08, Title 02, Chapter 02 (2009) requires school psychologists to have completed a minimum of 60 graduate semester credit hours, attaining one of the following: 1) A master's degree in education or psychology and completion of a 30 semester credit hour or 45 quarter credit hour School Psychologist Specialist Degree Program, 2) Completion of a 60 semester credit hour or 90 quarter hour masters degree program in School Psychology, or 3) Completion of an approved sixty semester credit hour or ninety (90) quarter credit hour School Psychology Specialist degree program which did not require a master's degree as a prerequisite, with laboratory experience in a classroom, which may include professional teaching experience, student teaching or special education practicum, and completion of a minimum twelve hundred (1,200) clock-hour internship within a school district under the supervision of the training institution and direct supervision of a certificated school psychologist.

Professional Development:  Idaho State Board of Education Rule 08, Title 02, Chapter 02 (2009) requires six semester credit hours to be completed every five years for endorsement renewal.

Student-to-Psychologist Ratio: None specified.

Pre-service Requirement: Idaho State Board of Education Rule 08, Title 02, Chapter 02 (2009) requires school social workers to possess a social work certificate issued by the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses and receive an institutional recommendation from an accredited college or university. In addition, a candidate must complete one of the following:  (1) A masters degree in social work from an Idaho college or university approved by the State Board of Education, (2) A masters degree in social work from an out-of-state college or university, or (3) A master's degree in guidance and counseling, sociology, or psychology plus thirty (30) semester credit hours of graduate work in social work education, including coursework understanding the individual, casework method, field placement, social welfare programs and community resources, and research methods.

Professional Development: State Board of Education Rule 08, Title 02, Chapter 02 (2009) requires six semester credit hours to be completed every five years for endorsement renewal.

Student-to-Social Worker Ratio: None specified.

Pre-service Requirement: None specified.

Professional Development: None specified.

Pre-service Requirement: None specified.

Professional Development: None specified.

Additional Content Requirements: None

Food Services: The Department of Education adopted New Nutrition Standards for Idaho Schools (2009) and strongly encourages each School Food Authority (SFA) to adopt the standards. The standards are outlined below:

• Calories must be a minimum of 100% and a maximum of 110% of USDA calorie levels.
• Strive to eliminate foods containing added trans fats.
• Prohibit the use of deep fat frying as a food preparation method.
• Limit serving pre-fried, flash-fried or par-fried side items/components to no more than three times per week for breakfast and lunch and other items.
• Offer whole grains in all serving lines at least three times per week at breakfast and at least three times per week at lunch. For purchased foods, the whole grain must be listed first in the ingredient list. For homemade foods, more than 50% of the grains in the recipe must be whole grains.
• Offer at a minimum one fruit on all points of service for breakfast. If only one fruit choice is offered at breakfast, juice may only be offered two times per week as the fruit choice. Offer at least one fruit and one non-fried vegetable at all points of service each day. When using frozen and canned fruits, products must be packed in natural juice, water or light syrup.
• Offer only fat-free (skim) and low-fat 1% milk.
• Offer legumes (dry beans and peas) at least once per week.
• Do not offer grains with more than 14g of sugar per ounce in purchased products (exempting natural sugars such as fruits). Strive to include foods with less than 10g of sugar per ounce at breakfast.
• Limit sodium to 2mg per calorie
• Offer meals with at least 1 gram of fiber per 100 calories.
• Limit cholesterol to 75mg for breakfast and 100mg for lunch.
• Do not make saltshakers, sugar dispensers or salt and/or sugar packets available.
• Accurately reflect condiment usage in nutrient analysis and on production records.
• Use low-fat condiments and/or control portions of high-fat condiments whenever possible.
• Limit á la carte foods that do not meet the Nutrition Standards for Idaho School Meals.
   

Adequate Time to Eat: No state policy.

School Breakfast: No state policy.

Food Allergies: No state policy.

Farm-to-School: No state policy.

Vending Machines/School Stores: No state policy.

Other Food Sales: The Department of Education adopted New Nutrition Standards for Idaho Schools (2009) and strongly encourages each School Food Authority (SFA) to adopt the standards. The standards include limiting all a la carte foods to conform with the New Nutrition Standards.

School Gardening: No state policy

General Physical Activity Requirement: No state policy.

Recess or Physical Activity Breaks: No state policy recommending or requiring recess.

Recess Before Lunch: No state policy.

Walking/Biking to School: No state policy.

Interscholastic Sports: No state policy.

Concussion and Head-Related Sports Injury: Code 33-1620 (2010) requires the state board of education to collaborate with the Idaho high school activities association to develop guidelines and other pertinent information and forms to inform and educate coaches (both paid and volunteer), youth athletes, and their parents and/or guardians of the nature and risk of concussion and head injury. 

Automated External Defibrillator (AED): No state policy.

Statute 33-1612 requires public schools in the districts to provide a safe environment conducive to learning. State Board of Education Administrative Rule 08.02.03.160 (2002) (page 33-34) elaborates further by stating districts must adopt policies and procedures encompassing school climate and violence prevention. This rule also requires school districts to have comprehensive policies and procedures that address violence prevention.

Fighting/Gangs: No state policy.
 
Weapons: No state policy.

Drugs and Alcohol: No state policy.

Collaboration with Law Enforcement: No state policy.

Bullying/Harassment: State Board of Education Administrative Rule 08.02.03.160 (page 33) requires school districts to have comprehensive policies and procedures that address student harassment.  Statute 18-917a (2006) prohibits students from harassing, intimidating or bullying another student.  "Harassment, intimidation or bullying" is defined as any intentional gesture, or any intentional written, verbal or physical act or threat that will harm a student, damage their property, place a student in reasonable fear of harm or damage to his/her property.  Acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying may be committed in person or through the phone or computer.  Statute 33-205 (no date available) allows a superintendent to suspend a student for bullying, harassment or intimidation.  Statute 33-512 (no date available) requires the board of trustees of each district to prescribe rules for student discipline for acts of harassment, intimidation and bullying.

Cyberbullying:  Statute 18-917a (2006) prohibits students from harassing, intimidating or bullying another student.  Harassment, intimidation or bullying" is defined as any intentional gesture, or any intentional written, verbal or physical act or threat that will harm a student, damage their property, place a student in reasonable fear of harm or damage to his/her property.  Acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying may be committed in person or through the phone or computer (cyberbullying). 

Hazing: Statute 18-917 prohibits students and social student groups or organizations from intentionally hazing or conspiring to haze any member or potential member or person pledged to be a member of the group or organization, as a condition or precondition of attaining membership or office or status within said group or organization. Violation of this statute is a misdemeanor offense. Hazing is defined in detail within this statute.

Response and Management Plans:  State Board of Education Administrative Rule 08.02.03.160 (page 33) (2002) also requires school districts to have comprehensive policies and procedures that address building safety, including evacuation drills.

Reporting Incidents of Violence: Idaho's department of education requires schools to file a year-end Safe & Drug-Free School Incident Report, which includes reporting incidents of harassment, bullying, fights, and weapons.

Statute 33-1225 (no date available) states that any communication by any person to a school principal, or designee, stating that a specific threat has been made by a person to commit violence on school property by use of firearms, explosive, or deadly weapons shall only be subject to liability if clear evidence of falsity or recklessness is provided.

The Idaho Clean Indoor Air law, Statutes 39-5501 through 5506 (2002) prohibits the smoking of tobacco products in "public or private elementary or secondary school buildings and educational facilities and within twenty (20) feet of entrances and exits of such buildings or facilities."

Statute 33-1613 (no date available) requires each school district to require independent inspection of the district's school facilities, including playgrounds and athletic fields, at least once every school year to address safety and health standards for facilities.

Vision and Hearing: No state policy.

Chronic Health Conditions: No state policy.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Screening: No state policy.

Staff Administration: No state policy.

Self-Administration of Asthma Medication: Statute 33-520 (2008) requires each school district to adopt a policy permitting the self-administration of medication by way of metered-dose inhaler by a pupil for asthma or other potentially life-threatening respiratory illness or an epinephrine auto-injector for severe allergic reaction. The student shall be permitted to possess and use the prescribed the inhaler at all times. Schools may require pupils to maintain duplicate prescription medications with the school nurse or in the absence of a school nurse, school administrator..

Self-Administration of Anaphylaxis Medication:  Statute 33-520 (2008) requires each school district to adopt a policy permitting the self-administration of medication by way of metered-dose inhaler by a pupil for asthma or other potentially life-threatening respiratory illness or an epinephrine auto-injector for severe allergic reaction. The student shall be permitted to possess and use the prescribed the epinephrine auto-injector at all times. Schools may require pupils to maintain duplicate prescription medications with the school nurse or in the absence of a school nurse, school administrator.

Psychotropic Medications: No state policy.

Storage and Record-keeping: No state policy.

Requirement to Provide Services: State Board of Education Administrative Rule 08.02.03.108 (page 16) (2002) requires each school to provide a comprehensive guidance program, which includes guidance, individual planning, responsive counseling, consultation, and referral services, and system support functions. Statute 33-1212 allows elementary counseling services to be flexible and responsive in their hiring of counseling or social work personnel.

Identification of Students with Emotional or Mental Disorders: No state policy. 

Suicide Prevention: State Board of Education Administrative Rule 08.02.03.160 (page 33) (2002) requires school districts to have comprehensive policies and procedures that address suicide prevention. 

Detailed, current information about immunization requirements by state is maintained by the National Network for Immunization Information. Select your state from the drop down box under "Search for State Vaccine Requirements for School Entry."

Exemptions: Statute 39-4802 (no date available) allows exemption from immunization requirements under the following circumstances: (1) A parent or guardian submits to school officials a certificate signed by a licensed physician stating that the physical condition of the child is such that all or any of the required immunizations would endanger the life or health of the child, or (2) A parent submits a signed statement to school officials stating their objections to immunization on religious or other grounds.

No state policy.

No state policy.

No state policy.

State-level: No state policy.

Local-level: No state policy.

State-level: No state policy.

Local-level: No state policy.

Student Health-Related Records: No state policy.

Student Health-Related Services: No state policy.