Office of Curriculum, Technology, & Assessment

South Dakota K-12 Health Education Standards and Rationale

1. Students will understand health promotion and disease prevention concepts and practices.

Rationale:
Basic to health education are a foundation of knowledge about the interrelationship of behavior and health, interactions within the human body and the prevention of diseases and other health problems. Experiencing physical, mental, emotional, and social changes as one grows and develops, provides a self-contained "learning laboratory." Comprehension of health-promotion strategies and disease prevention concepts enables students to become health-literate, self-directed learners, and establishes a foundation of leading healthy and productive lives.

2. Students will access and evaluate health information, products, and services.

   Rationale:
   Accessing valid health information and health-promoting products and services is important in the prevention, early detection, and treatment of most health problems. Critical thinking involves the ability to identify valid health information and to analyze, select, and access health-promoting services and products. Applying skills of information analysis, organization, comparison, synthesis, and evaluation to health issues provides a foundation for individuals to move forward becoming health literate and responsible, productive citizens.

3. Students will understand the benefits of practicing health-enhancing behaviors, which reduce health risks.

   Rationale:
   Research confirms that many diseases and injuries can be prevented by reducing harmful and risk-taking behaviors. More importantly, recognizing and practicing health-enhancing behaviors can contribute to a positive quality of life. Strategies used to maintain and improve positive health behaviors will utilize knowledge and skills that help students become critical thinkers and problem solvers. By accepting responsibility for personal health, students will have a foundation for living a healthy, productive life.

4. Students will use interpersonal communication skills to enhance personal health.

   Rationale:
   Personal, family, and community health are enhanced through effective communication. A responsible individual will use verbal and non-verbal skills in developing and maintaining healthy personal relationships. Organizing and conveying information, beliefs, opinions, and feelings are skills that strengthen interactions and can reduce or avoid conflict. When communicating, individuals who are health literate demonstrate care, consideration, and respect of self and others.

5. Students will contribute to the health of their families, peers, schools, communities, and the environment.

   Rationale:
   Quality of life is dependent on an environment that protects and promotes the health of individuals, families, and communities. Responsible citizens, who are health literate, are characterized by advocating and communicating for positive health in their communities. A variety of health advocacy skills are critical to these activities.