Health Education

Health Education courses in U-46 are developed based on the required content from the Illinois School Code as well as the recommended curriculum guidance in the National Health Education Standards.  

State Mandates for Sexual Health Education for Grades 6-12

Public Act 98-0441 requires schools that teach sex education in any of grades 6 through 12 to include instruction in both abstinence and contraception and to teach with materials that are evidence-based and medically accurate. The Act also requires ISBE to provide a listing of resources to assist schools to secure or develop or adapt instructional materials in sex education that comply with the law, effective January 1, 2014. ISBE is currently reviewing many available programs and adaptations, in consultation with the Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois Department of Public Health, and the CDC.

Elementary Health Education

School District U46 is in the process of developing a comprehensive K-6 health education curriculum. There have been a variety of state mandates in health education and social-emotional learning that impacts the health classroom. 

Middle School Health Education

Middle school health education is an 18-week course in eighth grade for all students. The curriculum templates were updated and approved in April 2020 by the Board of Education.  The below templates are reviewed and updated yearly to include new mandated content from the Regional Office of Education and the Illinois State Board of Education. 

High School Health Education

High School Health Education Curriculum was approved by the Board of Education in April 2020.  This curriculum is a Skills-Based approach to teaching knowledge as well as School Code mandated content.  This curriculum is aligned with the National Health Education Standards that focus on 7 skills students must know and be able to do to empower them to make healthy decisions and take control of their health. Health Education in U-46 will look very different than the health classes of the past.  Below are the curriculum templates that guide the lessons within your student's class.

Analyzing Influences- Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

Accessing Valid and Reliable Information, Products, and Services-Healthy Eating for Disease Prevention

Enhancing Health Behaviors-Mental Health

Interpersonal Communication-Relationships and Human Sexuality

Advocacy and Goal Setting

Health Class Looks Different in U-46

Health Advocate and 2017 SHAPE America National Health Teacher of the Year, Andy Milne shares his ideas on how health education has changed over the years. He encourages the teaching of life skills and advocacy to help younger generations make smart choices and live healthy lives.  This is the same focus that was in place when developing our health curriculums.

Ted Talk-This is Not your Parent's Health Class- Andrew Milne- National Health Teacher of the Year.