Senate File 175 amends existing educational statutes in Iowa to enhance the curricula provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools for students in grades five through twelve. Key provisions include the requirement for computer science instruction to be offered starting in the 2023 school year, and the incorporation of specific standards for human growth and development education in grades five and six, as well as in grades seven through twelve. The bill mandates that health curricula include information on communicable diseases and sexually transmitted diseases, and it emphasizes the importance of age-appropriate and research-based instruction in these areas.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for the state board of education to adopt curriculum definitions and standards related to human growth and development. It specifies that educational materials used in teaching these subjects must not be sourced from entities that perform or promote abortions. The language also clarifies the definition of "research-based" to ensure that the information provided is medically accurate and free from biases. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen health and human development education in Iowa schools while ensuring compliance with specific ethical standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.11, 279.50
Reprinted: 256.11, 279.50
Enrolled: 256.11, 279.50