BERKLEY, Mich. -- The Berkley School District has made an important change to its curriculum for next fall.

The district has launched a program that will focus more on the students' total health and include the topic of sex education.

In Berkley, students used to learn about pregnancy prevention and abstinence by the gym teacher during just a few classes.

Starting in the fall, under new state guidelines, those topics will be covered in health class and the course will be taught for an entire semester by a certified health instructor.

According to district officials, the lessons covering sex ed are only a small portion of what will be taught, but many parents and students believe the change is an important one.

"I think it's gonna be pretty good," said student Terell Perter. "It will take pressure off the parents, too, because they don't want a child."

The health classes, which will now carry the same weight as math or science, are required for students in grades 10-12.

Parents who have questions are urged to attend a public hearing scheduled for July 1 at the superintendent's office.