Comprehensive Health Education
The following are the key elements for a comprehensive approach to coordinated school health programs, policies, and action steps:
- A documented, planned, and sequential program of health instruction for students in grades kindergarten through twelve.
- A curriculum that addresses and integrates education about a range of categorical health problems and issues at developmentally appropriate ages.
- Activities that help young people develop the skills they need to avoid: tobacco use; dietary patterns that contribute to disease; sedentary lifestyle; sexual behaviors that result in HIV infection, other STDs and unintended pregnancy; alcohol and other drug use; and behaviors that result in unintentional and intentional injuries.
- Instruction provided for a prescribed amount of time at each grade level.
- Management and coordination by an education professional trained to implement the program.
- Instruction from teachers who are trained to teach the subject.
- Involvement of parents, health professionals, and other concerned community members.
- Periodic evaluation, updating, and improvement.
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions regarding the Vemont School Health webpage or it's content, please e-mail: SchoolHealth@vdh.state.vt.us
For questions about statewide programs or policies administered at the local level, contact the Health Department District Office near you.