SB 7: Substance Use Education in Schools

Ohio Senate Bill 7 – Substance Use Education in Schools

Subject: Analysis of Ohio Senate Bill 7 regarding substance use education in public and nonpublic schools.

Summary:

Ohio Senate Bill 7 (SB7) aims to strengthen substance use education for students in public and chartered nonpublic schools across Ohio. The bill mandates annual instruction on the harmful effects of substance use, defines “substance use,” requires the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to develop a list of resources, and outlines specific requirements for curriculum implementation. It amends sections 3313.60 and 3313.6024 of the Revised Code and enacts sections 3301.0722, 3301.165, 3313.6031, 3314.0311, 3326.092, and 3328.60.

Key Themes and Ideas:

1. Mandatory Substance Use Education: SB7 mandates that all city, local, and exempted village school districts provide annual instruction to students in grades K-12 on the harmful effects of short-term or chronic substance use to alter one’s mood. This requirement extends to community schools, STEM schools, and college-preparatory boarding schools. The bill also extends this mandate to chartered nonpublic schools.
2. Definition of “Substance Use”: The bill provides a clear definition of “substance use” for the purposes of the mandated instruction: ” ‘substance use’ includes the use of marijuana, alcoholic beverages, opioids, and tobacco, including electronic smoking devices, and any substance derived from a source external to the human body that is not legally permitted or authorized for use without a prescription.”
3. Curriculum Guidelines: SB7 emphasizes that the substance use instruction must be age and developmentally appropriate, conform to prevention best-practice frameworks, and focus on changes in knowledge, attitude, and skills as a child develops.
4. Department of Education and Workforce Role: The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, is tasked with creating and maintaining a list of “curricula, materials, programs, and instructional strategies” related to substance use education that districts and schools may utilize. This list must highlight evidence-based resources. “The department of education and workforce shall highlight any evidence-based resources that exist on its list. Periodically, the department of education and workforce shall review and update the list developed under this section.”
5. Reporting Requirements: The bill reinforces existing reporting requirements for school districts and other public schools regarding prevention-focused programs, services, and supports. These reports must include information on curriculum and instruction, programs outside the classroom, professional development, community partnerships, parent/community engagement, and compliance with relevant sections of the Revised Code. “Annually each school district and other public school, as defined in section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code, shall report to the department of education and workforce… the types of prevention-focused programs, services, and supports used to assist students…” Chartered nonpublic schools may elect to participate in this reporting.
6. Chartered Nonpublic Schools: SB7 creates section 3301.165 which mandates chartered nonpublic schools to provide annual instruction to students on the harmful effects of substance use. These schools must also determine the manner of instruction, ensure it is age-appropriate, conform it to best-practice frameworks, and focus on changes in knowledge, attitude, and skills.

Quotes:

• “The department of education and workforce, in collaboration with the department of mental health and addiction services, shall conduct a review of available resources and develop a list of curricula, materials, programs, and instructional strategies related to the instruction required under divisions (A)(5)(b) and (g) of section 3313.60 of the Revised Code and section 3313.6031 of the Revised Code, that districts or schools may utilize.”
• “As used in this section, ‘substance use’ includes the use of marijuana, alcoholic beverages, opioids, and tobacco, including electronic smoking devices, and any substance derived from a source external to the human body that is not legally permitted or authorized for use without a prescription.”
• “The governing authority of each chartered nonpublic school annually shall provide instruction to students in the grade levels the school serves about how short-term or chronic substance use… to alter one’s mood is harmful to an individual’s health.”

Potential Implications:

• Increased Focus on Substance Use Prevention: SB7 is likely to result in a more consistent and comprehensive approach to substance use education across Ohio schools.
• Resource Allocation: The emphasis on evidence-based resources and the Department of Education and Workforce’s role in providing a list may influence resource allocation for schools seeking to implement effective prevention programs.
• Curriculum Development: Schools will need to review and potentially revise their existing curricula to ensure they meet the requirements outlined in SB7, including age-appropriateness and alignment with best-practice frameworks.
• Potential Costs: The bill could lead to additional costs for schools related to curriculum development, teacher training, and the implementation of new programs and resources.

Next Steps:

• Monitor the progress of SB7 through the legislative process.
• Track the development and release of the Department of Education and Workforce’s resource list.
• Assess the potential impact of SB7 on existing school programs and resources.