Characteristics of an Effective Health Education Curriculum

Focuses on clear health goals and related behavioral outcomes

Is research based and theory driven

Fosters individual values, attitudes and beliefs

Fosters individual and group norms that support health enhancing behavior

Reinforces protective factors; increases perceptions of risk of engaging in harmful behaviors

Addresses social pressures and influences

Builds skills in personal & social competence and self-efficacy (basically the health standards)

Provides functional health knowledge that is basic, accurate and allows students to be proactive

Strategies personalize info and engage students

Age appropriate materials and methods

Culturally inclusive materials and methods

Provides adequate time

Provides reinforcement opportunities

Provides opps to make connections w/influential role models

Professional development to enhance instruction and learning

• Focuses on clear health goals and related behavioral outcomes • Is research based and theory driven • Fosters individual values, attitudes and beliefs • Fosters individual and group norms that support health enhancing behavior • Reinforces protective factors; increases perceptions of risk of engaging in harmful behaviors • Addresses social pressures and influences • Builds skills in personal & social competence and self-efficacy (basically the health standards) • Provides functional health knowledge that is basic, accurate and allows students to be proactive • Strategies personalize info and engage students • Age appropriate materials and methods • Culturally inclusive materials and methods • Provides adequate time • Provides reinforcement opportunities • Provides opps to make connections w/influential role models • Professional development to enhance instruction and learning