§ 22-25-102 — Legislative declaration

(1) The general assembly hereby finds
and declares that comprehensive health education is an essential element of public
education in the state of Colorado. The school system is a logical vehicle for
conveying to children and parents significant health information, developing an
awareness of the value of good health to the individual and to the community,
promoting healthy behavior and positive self-concepts, and providing means for
dealing with peer and other pressures. It is further declared that many serious
health problems in Colorado, including high-risk behaviors, are directly attributable
to the insufficient health knowledge and motivation of the school-age population
and the general public and that studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of a
planned school curriculum throughout the elementary and secondary grades in
developing healthy behavior. The purpose of this article is to foster healthy
behaviors in our children and communities through a comprehensive educational
plan which has as its goal not only the increase of health knowledge but also the
modification of high-risk behaviors.

(2) Since the enactment of this article, the general assembly has further
determined that the insidious attractions of gangs and substance abuse are
endangering the youth of Colorado and, by doing so, are endangering all Colorado
citizens. Accordingly, the general assembly finds and declares that the
implementation of educational programs in the public schools, including facility
schools, is necessary to assist young people in avoiding gang involvement and
substance abuse.

(3) The general assembly further finds that:

(a) For students to reach their full potential, school communities need to
address comprehensive issues of student wellness, including but not limited to
addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and social needs of students;

(b) High-quality physical education programs taught by persons who are
licensed and endorsed in physical education may be a factor in battling the rising
incidence of obesity by ensuring not only that children receive a healthy level of
physical activity but that they also learn skills and develop knowledge that will
enable them to maintain a healthy level of activity throughout their lifetimes;

(c) It is therefore appropriate for the general assembly to expand the
Colorado Comprehensive Health Education Act to include funding for local
student wellness programs that are coordinated with local comprehensive health
education programs in public schools, including facility schools.

Legislative History

Source: L. 90: Entire article R&RE, p. 1093, � 62, effective May 31. L. 94: Entire section amended, p. 1256, � 1, effective May 22. L. 2008: (2) amended, p. 1391, � 22, effective May 27; (3) added, p. 672, � 2, effective August 5; (3)(c) amended, p. 1391, � 23, effective August 5.