Minnesota Approves First Statewide K-12 Health Standards After Initial Denial
Minnesota has approved its first statewide K-12 health standards, a significant development after an initial denial in July. Previously, Minnesota was one of only two states without statewide academic standards for health, leaving local school districts to determine curriculum for topics such as nutrition, human development, and drug abuse prevention. Minnesota Chief Administrative Judge Jessica Palmer-Denig initially denied the proposed standards in July, citing inadequate notice to state lawmakers and a lack of public information regarding implementation costs. However, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) submitted a request for reconsideration and resubmission on September 21, arguing that students would greatly benefit from the standards. On Monday, the judge accepted MDE’s amendments and approved the health standards, which could be implemented as early as the 2028-29 school year. The standards cover mental and emotional health, human growth and development, child abuse prevention, nutrition, ...
