Health Grades 9-12
The Health Education program provides learning opportunities that motivate and educate students to protect, maintain, and improve their own health and that of others. These learning strategies are based on the best available scientific knowledge covering a broad range of relevant health concepts and are designed, selected, and conducted in accordance with the needs, interests, and maturational levels of the individual students and with the needs of the community at large.
Today, in addition to being threatened by infectious diseases, our lives are also likely to be threatened by “lifestyle diseases.” More than 75 percent of the two million Americans who die each year are killed in accidents or by heart disease, stroke, cirrhosis of the liver, or emphysema. Individual behavior and health choices are contributing factors in many of these cases. There is also an evolving understanding in our society today that mental health is inextricably linked to overall health and wellbeing. One in five Americans experience a diagnosable mental health issue. The Health Education program provides students with opportunities to develop skills and habits that will protect their mental health and foster resilience while learning about common mental health concerns that many people face in their daily lives.
When we consider the well being of our adolescent population, the situation becomes even more serious. They have the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives than earlier generations because of better nutrition, improved sanitation, the widespread use of vaccines, antibiotics, and highly sophisticated surgical techniques. Yet the rate of adolescent mortality is far too high. Accidents (frequently related to substance abuse), suicides, and homicides account for about 80 percent of all deaths among teenagers. Among adolescents and young adults, the rise in mental illnesses, especially depressive and anxiety disorders has been dramatic and alarming over the past decade. The highest rate of increase in sexually transmitted diseases occurs in this population as well. In other words, the greatest cause of disease and death among young people is social, mental, and emotional ill health. Undoubtedly, lives can be saved and be of higher quality if behaviors that promote health are chosen.
The importance of health education has never been greater. Knowledge gained in health education affects attitudes, and consequently, behavior. Students learn that their decisions affect all of the areas of health, both physical and mental. They discover that the decisions they make can promote their health and their enjoyment of life now and in the future. Through the completion of our K – 12 health program the students will:
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Comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention.
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Demonstrate the ability to access valid health information and health-promoting products and services.
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Analyze the influence of culture, media, technology, and other factors on health.
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Demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health.
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Demonstrate the ability to advocate for personal, family, and community health.
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Assume the acceptance of personal responsibility for lifelong health.
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Gain an understanding of the process of growth and development.
All HE Courses are 10 weeks in length within the 40 week cycle:
All Required NJL Statues are incorporated into the HE/PE curriculum when taught at grade level:
