Michigan Updates K-12 Health Education Guidelines for First Time Since 2007

September 22, 2025

Michigan's Department of Education has proposed the first update to its K-12 health education guidelines since 2007, addressing contemporary challenges like the opioid crisis, smartphone use, and mental health concerns. The draft updates shift from grade-specific standards to more flexible grade ranges and emphasize ongoing "practices" rather than fixed "standards," borrowing from national health education updates and Massachusetts' model. While providing a framework that covers personal wellness, substance use, mental health, and sexual health, the guidelines ultimately allow local school districts to determine implementation, particularly regarding contentious areas like sexual health education.

Who is affected

Michigan K-12 students across all districts from Detroit to the Upper Peninsula
Parents and families of Michigan students
Michigan educators and school administrators
Local school boards
Teens experiencing anxiety and depression, especially girls and LGBTQ youth
Students dealing with vaping, opioid exposure, and other substance issues

What action is being taken

The Michigan Department of Education is releasing draft updates to K-12 health education guidelines
The state is collecting public comments on the draft until October 10 through the Department of Education's website
Officials are reframing health education from "standards" to "practices" to encourage ongoing skill development
The Department is creating a separate category for "healthy relationships" distinct from sexual health education
The State Board of Education is reviewing the proposed guidelines before voting on final approval

Why it matters

The current health education standards are nearly two decades old and don't address modern challenges like smartphone use and the opioid crisis
Youth mental health has reached crisis levels, with CDC documenting record anxiety and depression among teens
Health education provides one of the few spaces where students can receive consistent, evidence-based guidance on critical life skills
The update signals a philosophical shift toward viewing health education as a continuous skill set rather than a one-time requirement
Local implementation will vary widely, potentially creating disparities in how students are prepared to handle contemporary health challenges

What's next

The draft guidelines are open for public comment until October 10 on the Department of Education's website
The State Board will vote on final approval later this fall

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle