Honest Sex Ed Minnesota Celebrates Approval of Minnesota’s First Statewide K-12 Health Standards to Court Decision on Minnesota Health Education Standards

[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE]

September 29, 2026

Honest Sex Ed Minnesota is celebrating the approval of Minnesota’s first statewide K–12 Academic Standards in Health, a major step toward ensuring that students across the state have access to consistent, high-quality health education.

The standards were approved following the Minnesota Department of Education’s request for reconsideration and resubmission after the proposed standards were previously disapproved during the administrative rulemaking process in early July. MDE’s revised submission addressed the procedural and substantive concerns identified in the earlier decision.

The approved standards establish statewide expectations for health education from kindergarten through grade 12. They include functional health knowledge and skills related to food and nutrition; human growth, development, relationships, and sexual health; mental and emotional health; personal health, physical activity, and wellness; personal safety and violence prevention; and cannabis and substance use awareness and prevention.

“This is a big win for Minnesota students, educators, families, and everyone who has spent years working towards a better health education future,” said Dr. Meg Bartlett-Chase, Founder and Executive Director of Honest Sex Ed Minnesota. “Statewide standards give us a foundation. Now we have to make sure schools and educators have the training, resources, time, and support they need to turn those standards into meaningful learning for students.”

Honest Sex Ed Minnesota is ready to be part of this work. The work does not end with approval. Implementation efforts start now.

Our organization is already building resources, connecting educators and community partners, and preparing to support schools as they move toward implementation. We will continue advocating for health education that is medically accurate, age-appropriate, inclusive, and responsive to the real needs of Minnesota students.

We are calling on Minnesota’s schools, districts, policymakers, educators, families, and community organizations to engage in this next phase. That means making sure educators have access to high-quality professional development, schools have the resources necessary to implement the standards, and communities understand what students are expected to learn.

For parents and caregivers, this is also an opportunity to ask questions and become involved in what health education looks like in their local schools. Families can ask their schools what health education currently looks like, how their district is preparing for the new standards, what curriculum and instructional materials will be used, and what opportunities exist for families to provide input.

“These statewide standards will bring such a huge level of clarity and consistency for teachers and students statewide,” said Steve Chapin, St. James, MN Health Teacher and SHAPE America 2026 Health Teacher of the Year. “Health education as a priority statewide is a long time coming. I’m excited to see the ways teachers can be supported and empowered to get our students the best possible health education from Kindergarten through graduation”

Honest Sex Ed Minnesota invites educators, families, advocates, and community members to join us in the implementation work ahead.

Here’s how you can help:

• Support the work: Become a monthly donor or make a contribution to Honest Sex Ed Minnesota so we can continue developing resources and supporting communities.

• Bring health education into the conversation: Ask your school or district how they are preparing for implementation.

• Connect with us: Educators, parents, students, and community organizations can connect with Honest Sex Ed Minnesota to learn more about getting involved.

• Share the news: Help your community understand why statewide health standards matter and why implementation support matters just as much.