The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is seeking public input on a proposed overhaul of the state’s health and sex education standards. These standards have not been updated since 2007, making this the first significant revision in nearly two decades.

Why Michigan is Updating Health Standards

Education officials said the update is needed to reflect modern health issues and current terminology, including areas such as:

• Mental and emotional health

• Sexual health and relationships

• Substance abuse prevention

• Online safety and digital responsibility

• Community and personal health

The new draft emphasizes comprehensive, inclusive, and medically accurate education. It also highlights the importance of social, emotional, and mental health practices.

Key Changes in the Proposed Sex Education Standards

Unlike the old standards, the new framework includes more detailed discussions on:

• Gender identity and gender expression

• Sexual orientation

• Puberty and hygiene education (Grades 3-5)

• Gender identity, attraction, and abstinence education (Grades 6-8)

• STI prevention, testing, consent, and respect for diversity (Grades 9-12)

The standards are divided into grade groups instead of individual grade levels:

• K-2

• Grades 3-5

• Grades 6-8

• Grades 9-12

Role of Parents and Schools in Sex Education

Under Michigan state law:

• Schools are not required to teach sex education, but HIV/AIDS education is mandatory.

• If schools choose to include sex education, parents must be involved in the planning process.

• Parents have the right to opt their children out of sex education programs.

Connection to National Standards

The draft of the new standards is modeled after Massachusetts’ health and physical education framework, aligning Michigan with national best practices.

Public Comment and Next Steps

Public feedback on the proposed standards will be accepted through October 10 via the Michigan Department of Education’s website. After that, the Michigan State Board of Education will review and decide whether to adopt the new standards.