(c) Instruction in grades kindergarten through twelve (12) in issues of current concern such as character education, environmental education, economic education, career education, family life education, substance use and abuse, AIDS education, sexual abuse prevention, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and safety shall be incorporated in appropriate subject areas and grade levels.

(a) The state board of education, in conjunction with the department of safety, may implement the curriculum for a statewide drug abuse resistance education (DARE) program to be taught by qualified and trained law enforcement officers in local schools within the state.

(b) The state board and the department may consider and adopt training methods and materials developed for the DARE America program or a comparable program approved by the department.

(c) The state board shall strive to see that the hazards of nicotine abuse are included in the drug-free alliance program. The state board shall encourage the use of culturally relevant educational methods and materials in the drug-free alliance program to inform persons of the hazards of nicotine abuse.

Outline of health education requirement

Component: Substance Abuse and Use Subcomponent: Health Risks

Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8

SUA.1

6.SUA.1 Identify differences between legal and illegal prescription drug use.

7.SUA.1 Explain how addiction negatively impacts physical and mental health in short- and long-term time frames.

8.SUA.1 Evaluate the impact of addiction on individuals, families, and communities including physical, emotional, and economic costs.

SUA.2

6.SUA.2 Summarize the effects of alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, and prescription and nonprescription drugs on the human body.

7.SUA.2 Summarize the effects of alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, and prescription and nonprescription drugs on personal judgment coordination. Summarize tobacco’s relationship to cancer.

8.SUA.2 Explain how misusing substances including tobacco, alcohol, and drugs can negatively impact each of eleven body systems.

SUA.3

6.SUA.3 Describe how the misuse of prescription medicines can progress to addiction to other harmful substances.

7.SUA.3 Explain the similarity between underage alcohol consumption and/or the use of tobacco and other drugs with addiction to opioids.

8.SUA.3 Describe effective ways to avoid riding in a vehicle with someone driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

SUA.4

6.SUA.4 Describe refusal skills and appropriate opioid usage.

7.SUA.4 Describe proper usage of over the counter opioids.

8.SUA.4 Explain experimental use and misuse of opioids such as painkillers. Explain the connection to addiction and use of substances such as heroin.