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Standards

“Quality health education programs help students achieve their highest academic potential. The Health Education Content Standards for California Public Schools, Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve provides guidance on the essential skills and knowledge that students should have at each grade level. Local educators are encouraged to apply these standards when developing curricular and instructional strategies for health education and other interdisciplinary subjects.

Recognizing the significant impact of health on academic achievement, we must do everything possible to improve the quality of health education in California schools. The health education content standards represent our commitment to promoting excellence in health education for all students.”

-A Message from the State Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

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California Health Education Content Standards

Health Education Content Standards for California Public Schools, Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve.

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Nutrition and
Physical Activity

The image depicts a group of stylized human figures in a simple, minimalist design. The figures are shown in a blue color against a plain background, with their arms raised in a gesture of celebration or unity.

Growth, Development,
and Sexual Health

A blue construction helmet with safety goggles against a plain white background.

Injury Prevention
and Safety

The image depicts a blue silhouette of a wine bottle and a corkscrew.

Alcohol, Tobacco,
and Other Drugs

The image depicts a silhouette of a human head with gears or cogs inside, representing the concept of cognitive processes or problem-solving.

Mental, Emotional,
and Social Health

A stylized hand holding a leaf or plant symbol in a blue outline against a white background.

Personal and
Community Health

The Eight Overarching Health Education Content Standards

The image presents the California Health Education Standards, which include various components such as Health Promotion, Practicing Health-Enhancing Behaviors, Goal Setting, Decision Making, Interpersonal Communication, Accessing Valid Information, Analyzing Influences, and Essential Concepts.

Healthy Literacy Model

California students need to learn skills (i.e. the standards) to increase their Health Literacy , which has been defined by the World Health Organization as the cognitive and social skills which determine the motivation and ability of individuals to gain access to, understand, and use information in ways which promote and maintain good health.

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