Is CPR Required for High School Health?

Is CPR required for High school health in South Carolina? And how does it affect homeschoolers? What does it all mean anyway?

We have a new law that has gone into effect here in SC. The buzz about it is making the rounds on social media. So, let’s take a closer look at it and talk about how it affects us as homeschoolers.

Here’s what the new law says:
“At least one time during the entire four years of grades nine through twelve, each student shall receive instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which must include, but not be limited to, hands-only CPR and must include awareness in the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Each school district shall use a program that incorporates the instruction of the psychomotor skills necessary to perform CPR developed by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or an instructional program that is nationally recognized and based on the most current national evidence-based emergency cardiovascular care guidelines for CPR and awareness in the use of an AED.

Local and statewide school districts shall coordinate with entities that have the experience and necessary equipment for the instruction of CPR and awareness in the use of AEDs; provided, however, that virtual schools may administer the instruction virtually and are exempt from any in-person instructional requirements. A school district must adopt a policy providing a waiver for this requirement for a student absent on the day the instruction occurred, a student with a disability whose individualized education program indicates such student is unable to complete all or a portion of the hands-only CPR requirement, or a student whose parent or guardian completes, in writing, a form approved by the school district opting out of hands-only CPR instruction and AED awareness.

The State Board of Education shall incorporate CPR training and AED awareness into the South Carolina Health and Safety Education Curriculum Standards and promulgate regulations to implement this section.”

CPR Required by Code of Law 59-32-30

First of all, this law is under a different code of law that doesn’t affect homeschool requirements. At all. Section 59 is all about education. Chapter 32 is about comprehensive health studies. But, homeschool requirements are listed under chapter 45. So, it doesn’t affect us.

Any other codes of law would have to specifically name homeschools. For example, the state scholarships are under Section 59-149-10. The current law and the bill to amend it H1123 includes homeschoolers. We want to be included in this one so our grads will be able to qualify and continue to be eligible for SC State scholarships.

We don’t have to follow these public school requirements. But, it is helpful when we understand what the state standards are requiring. So that we can demonstrate equivalent education–or even better. We present ourselves as professional educators when we can speak in the commonly understood terms and definitions. Grades and course standards are the language that is understood in education. I call it Edu-speak.

CPR Exceptions

The new CPR regulation is established as a requirement for the course starting this year 2017-2018. Actually, Health is not a required course for graduation though. Now, the DOE could implement a change to the graduation standard, so that the required health course is phased in starting this year with the class of 2022. But, I haven’t seen that policy change for the diploma standard, yet.

This new law requires CPR to be included in the public school standards for Health. However, there’s an unspecified exception: not every student will even have to take Health. Just the ones who do take Health will all have a CPR and defibrillator training included in the course.

Several exceptions are also stated.

• Students who have already taken health don’t have to retake it.
• Virtual school students will have some other exceptions, since they wouldn’t necessarily have access to the hands-on training.
• Students who are absent on the day of the CPR training–are not required to make up the instruction.
• Certain disabilities are also exempt from the CPR training.
• And parents can sign a waiver, provided by the school, that would exempt their child from having to do it.

Any health credits earned in 2017-2018 or afterward are understood to include the CPR training. But, there are multiple exceptions to this requirement. Even for the public school students.

CPR Training for Homeschoolers

Even though homeschoolers aren’t required to have this training. I know many of us already want to learn CPR. The trick is finding an affordable way to get the training. Let me know of any training deals you find…so we can pass it along, too ([email protected]).

Red Cross: You can get the full, certified training from the local Red Cross. They offer in person, online and simulation learning classes. Find a class near you. Prices range from $60-$100.

StudentCPR.com: You can get this online training for free. StudentCPR has the philosophy that you can’t put a price tag on saving lives, and therefore, offers all training and testing completely free and available on the web, 24/7. The only expense is for the hands-on kit and the skilled evaluator assessment, if you want those options.

Start by registering your school. You can register your own homeschool with just one student…or your homeschool group with multiple students and ongoing access. Optional costs: Sumo Kit to get virtual evaluation for single use or small groups from $70-$200.

YouTube “University”: There’s always the free video selection on youtube. Opt out of the hands-on trainings and rely on these as virtual lessons only.

CPR is a new requirement for public schools in SC…but that law doesn’t apply to homeschoolers. It’s not a cheap investment. Which is probably why the law needed to compel the schools to include it (not only in their standards, but also in their budget.) Nevertheless, it’s a good idea for homeschoolers to know it–if you can find a way to afford it.

Will you get CPR training or not? 
Let me know in the comments

Read more about High school credits and requirements: