Colorado top doc to school board: Don’t change surveys

Colorado’s chief medical officer is headed to the state school board to ask them not to take an action that could reduce the number of anonymous surveys asking middle and high school students about their sex lives and drug habits.

Dr. Larry Wolk is expected to attend a meeting Thursday at which the school board discusses the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey. The survey is given every other year to a sampling of students. The surveys ask about risky behavior including sex, drug use and bringing guns to school.

The surveys have been given since 1991, but some on the school board want to require parental permission before kids take the surveys. Currently parents can opt out but don’t have to give permission.

Health officials fear the change could reduce participation.