Guideline 5: Health Education

As the nation’s health protection agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc) saves lives and protects people from health threats. To accomplish our mission, cdc conducts critical science and provides health information that protects our nation against expensive and dangerous health threats, and respond to natural and man-made disasters.

The cdc Guide to a Healthy School provides a framework for developing, implementing, and evaluating health education in schools. The guide includes 10 key components of healthy school programs and offers practical guidance on how to put them into action.

The 10 key components of healthy school programs are:

1. A focus on the whole child

2. A positive school climate

3. A culture of health

4. A commitment to health equity

5. A focus on evidence-based practices

6. A focus on prevention

7. A whole-school approach

8. A partnership approach

9. A focus on sustainability

10. A commitment to continuous quality improvement

1. A focus on the whole child

A healthy school program should take a holistic approach to the health and well-being of students. This means addressing the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs of students.

2. A positive school climate

A positive school climate is one that promotes respect, responsibility, and positive relationships. It is also one that is safe, supportive, and engaging.

3. A culture of health

A culture of health is one where good health is valued and promoted. It is also one where everyone has the opportunity to be healthy.

4. A commitment to health equity

A commitment to health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be healthy. This includes addressing the social and economic factors that influence health.

5. A focus on evidence-based practices

A focus on evidence-based practices means using practices that have been proven to be effective in improving the health of students.

6. A focus on prevention

A focus on prevention means working to prevent health problems before they start. This includes promoting healthy behaviors and preventing risky behaviors.

7. A whole-school approach

A whole-school approach means involving the entire school community in promoting and supporting health and well-being. This includes educators, administrators, staff, parents, and students.

8. A partnership approach

A partnership approach means working with others to promote health and well-being. This includes community members, businesses, faith-based organizations, and government agencies.

9. A focus on sustainability

A focus on sustainability means making sure that health promotion activities can be continued over time. This includes making sure that there are adequate resources and support for health education programs.

10. A commitment to continuous quality improvement

A commitment to continuous quality improvement means constantly evaluating and improving health education programs. This includes using data to make decisions about program improvements.