AUSTIN (July 7, 2009)--When school bells ring this fall, health will no longer be a state-required course for students in Texas.

In a recent letter to school districts, Education Commissioner Robert Scott said he has eliminated the requirement in high school, the only remaining health course required by the state.

The move has some worried that Texas students will miss out on such critical topics as alcohol awareness, sex education and basic nutrition.

While school districts can still require students to take health classes, Scott eliminated the course as a state requirement to comply with a new law that bumps up the number of mandated electives.