Health
Formal, structured health education consists of any combination of planned learning experiences that provide the opportunity to acquire information and the skills students need to make quality health decisions. When provided by qualified, trained teachers, health education helps students acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they need for making health-promoting decisions, achieving health literacy, adopting health-enhancing behaviors, and promoting the health of others. Comprehensive school health education includes curricula and instruction for students in pre-K through grade 12 that address a variety of topics such as nutrition, physical activity, mental health, substance use and abuse, healthy relationships, injury prevention and personal health. Health education curricula and instruction should align with the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Health Education. In accordance with Maria's Law and the Health Education Act, mental health objectives were added to Standard 1 in the new standards.
Health education, based on an assessment of student health needs and planned in collaboration with the community, ensures reinforcement of health messages that are relevant for students and meet community needs. Students might also acquire health information through education that occurs as part of a patient visit with a school nurse, through posters or public service announcements, or through conversations with family and peers.
2023 Standards
Download the 2023 Oklahoma Academic Standards for Health.
Health Education Curriculum Framework
The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) collaborates with Oklahoma educators to develop high-quality resources to support Oklahoma teachers and school districts with the successful implementation of the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Health Education. Oklahoma resources include the Health Education Curriculum Framework and the Health Education Micro-credential is housed on OSDE Connect.
Instructional Resources for Impaired Driving
For resources related to impaired driving, see the Substance Use and Abuse and Injury Prevention Strands under Standard 1, Essential Health Knowledge in the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Health. Additional resources can be found in the Health Education Framework.
Here are some specific recommendations for teaching this topic in various grade bands.
PreK-2 Lesson
PreK-2 Lesson Resources
Gr 3-5 Lesson
Gr 3-5 Lesson Resources
Health Education Micro-Credential
The OSDE is excited to share the virtual professional development learning modules for the health education micro-credential, which was created in compliance with the Health Education Act (70 O.S. § 11-103.13) and to support educators who will be implementing health education instruction for PreK-12th grade students by the 2023-2024 school year and beyond.
The purpose of these virtual learning modules is to provide a foundation of knowledge and build the capacity of best practices for teaching effective health education. Please visit the OSDE Connect, the online learning platform at https://osdeconnect.pdx.catalog.canvaslms.com, and you can access the Health Education Micro-Credential and start the journey to earn a micro-credential in health education. If you need guidance to access the Health Education Micro-Credential on OSDE Connect, click here.
The OSDE utilizes Credly, the largest digital credential network, to issue digital badges for this micro-credential. Currently, a micro-credential does not count toward the Health and Physical Education certification process. However, a micro-credential can bolster a teacher's resume and prepare them for health education integration into different subjects including physical education.
Health Education Legislative Requirement
Recent legislation called the Health Education Act (70 O.S. § 11-103.13) requires school districts to provide instruction addressing all health education subject matter standards by the 2023-24 school year. This statute explains health education instruction may be integrated into one or more existing subjects or provided as an addition to existing coursework. It also states that teachers assigned to teach health education as a stand-alone course will be certified in physical and health education. Additionally, subject matter graduation requirements emphasize that all students will receive health instruction needed to lead healthy and physically active lifestyles (70 O.S. § 11-103.6). Click here to view the Guidance and FAQs for the Health Education Legislation in Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma State Department of Education is here to support schools with the implementation of health education instruction and want to offer technical assistance to schools across the state. If you need targeted support or have questions, please fill out the technical assistance form.
HIV and AIDS Education Curriculum Resource
Lesson: Accessing Valid and Reliable Information and HIV/AIDS
Lesson Resources: Accessing Valid and Reliable Information and HIV/AIDS
If you would like access to the full PowerPoint presentation including speaker notes, please e-mail Kellie Carter, Project Manager of School Nursing Programs, or Shana Classen, Project Manager of Health and Physical Education.
[This HIV/AIDS information comes from the legacy Health Resources page.]
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