The proposed bill aims to improve student health in West Virginia by establishing a heart health program for children in grades three through six. This program requires students to participate in nutrition and aerobic exercise classes for a continuous 12-week period during the instructional term, including at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise three days a week. Schools must allocate time for these activities and track students' progress through journals. Additionally, school districts are permitted to contract with qualified service providers to implement the program. The bill also amends existing laws to emphasize the importance of physical activity in combating childhood obesity and introduces specific requirements for the heart health program that take precedence over any conflicting existing laws.

In addition to the heart health program, the bill mandates that local school districts may offer CPR instruction, including the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), with certification provided by authorized instructors. It designates a week of classes as "Celebrate Freedom Week," during which students will learn about the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the U.S. Constitution, focusing on key amendments that protect democracy. Starting in the 2018-2019 school year, students will also be required to take a civics test similar to the naturalization test, with results reported to the county board. Importantly, the bill clarifies that these new requirements do not create standards subject to state accountability measures.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-2-7a, 18-2-9, 18-2-7h