Instructional Materials Evaluation
Health Education Instructional Materials Evaluation Toolkit (2021)
This toolkit has been created to help local districts in their evaluation and adoption of new instructional materials that align with the 2008 Health Education Standards, the 2019 Health Education Curriculum Framework, and current CA Education Code and State Statutes. Local educational agencies (LEAs) – school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education – have the authority and the responsibility to conduct their own evaluation of instructional materials and to adopt the materials that best meet the needs of their students. This toolkit will help guide that process.
Mental Health Education Instructional Materials Assessment Tools (2022)
These Mental Health Education Instructional Materials Assessment Tools were developed to help educators assess curriculum, supplemental materials, and other instructional materials used for the purpose of teaching mental health education to middle or high school students, check out the following tools that include a list of all the SB 224 Education Code requirements districts and schools must ensure is included in their instruction.
California Healthy Youth Act Compliance Assessment Tools and Resources
The California Healthy Kids Resource Center, together with the Adolescent Sexual Health Work Group, conducted an intensive review of growth development and sexual health curriculum in accordance with the California Healthy Youth Act. A total of nine publishers submitted curricula to be reviewed. The table in the link lists the curriculum reviewed along with the information on 
where it can be borrowed or purchased. The Compliance Assessment Tools are specific to each curriculum that was reviewed. Also included is a California Healthy Kids Curricula Review Introduction Methodology that describes the law, review process and the Compliance Assessment Tool grading. Click HERE to access a blank Compliance Assessment Tool.
Policies and Practices
Menstrual Equity for All Act Handbook_Updated (2024) 
The Menstrual Equity for All Act (AB 367 of 2021) makes access to free menstrual products for students of all genders in public schools a reality. The Menstrual Equity for All District Handbook will help guide school districts and school communities in implementing a robust menstrual product program that supports all students who menstruate and helps remove the stigma around menstruation. It includes an overview of the law, a 101 on menstrual products, information on how to fund menstrual product programs for schools, tips for engaging your school community, an FAQ of commonly asked questions, and much more.
Toolkit for Building a Human Trafficking School Safety Protocol (2022)
The Human Trafficking School Safety Protocol Toolkit is a step-by-step guide to help schools (1) identify students that may be experiencing trafficking or may have an increased risk for trafficking, (2) ensure educators and other staff comply with mandatory reporting laws, (3) ensure the safety of students, educators, and other staff when reporting human trafficking and other forms of violence, and (4) help students connect to service providers and/or programs intended to reduce further exposure to violence and victimization. This tool kit was developed by the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center (NHTTAC).
Safe, Supportive, and Inclusive Schools
Supporting LGBTQ+ Students (CDE, 2023) - Instructional guidance, law, and policies for local educational agencies to support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ+) students and provide safe learning environments that protect the health and safety of LGBTQ+ students.
CREATING SAFER SPACES FOR LGBTQ YOUTH: A Toolkit for Education, Healthcare, and Community-Based Organizations (Advocates For Youth, 2020) - This Toolkit has been developed to assist individuals, community-based organizations, providers, healthcare staff, educators, and others that see the value of incorporating key safer space components into their organizations so that young people survive and thrive.
Creating Safe Schools for LGBTQ+ Youth (CDC, 2022) - This brief provides key learning objectives that schools and school districts can incorporate in their PD offerings to help teachers and other school staff build core competencies for supporting LGBTQ+ youth in schools.
Protecting Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory (2021) - This Advisory offers recommendations for supporting the mental health of children, adolescents, and young adults. While many of these recommendations apply to individuals, the reality is that people have widely varying degrees of control over their circumstances. As a result, not all recommendations will be feasible for everyone.
3 Things Schools Can Do to REALLY Improve Student Health (SHAPE America, 2022)
Data
Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS): 2021 YRBSS Data Highlights
California School Climate, Health, and Learning Surveys (CalSCHLS): A tool supported by the California Department of Education to help districts meet Local Control Accountability Plan priorities to improve school climate, pupil engagement, parent involvement, and academic achievement.
