Health Topic Modules Instructions

Universal instructions for completing curriculum analysis aligned with National Health Education (NHES) Standard 1: Core Concepts related to Health Promotion and diseases Prevention to Enhance Health

The Standard 1 curriculum analysis will result in a single score that reflects the extent to which the curriculum addresses the knowledge required to achieve the selected healthy behavior outcomes (HBOs) in the selected health topic module. The HECAT lists the essential knowledge expectations to be completed by the end of grades 2, 5, 8, and 12. The relationship of each knowledge expectation to a HBO is identified following each expectation in parentheses. The knowledge expectations are numbered sequentially for the ease of identification and discussion. Before each knowledge expectation, the number represents the topic abbreviation, NHES standard number, grade span (last grade in that span), and expectation item number.

Directions for Standard 1

1. Review the knowledge expectations.
2. Look in other related topic modules for knowledge expectations that might be edited and added to the list of knowledge expectations for this topic.
3. Read the curriculum to become familiar with its content, the information provided for students, and the methods used to convey information and knowledge content.
4. Select each knowledge expectation that is addressed by the curriculum. Important — a knowledge expectation is "addressed" if there is sufficient information provided in the curriculum for students to be able to demonstrate understanding of this concept. Some knowledge expectations might require more evidence than others. If any additional expectations should be added to meet the needs of the community or to curriculum requirements of the state or school district. Review other standards before making changes to the knowledge expectations in Standard 1; some knowledge expectations may be reflected in the skill expectations in Standards 2–8. Some relevant knowledge expectations might be found in other health topic modules.
5. HECAT Online will calculate the Knowledge Expectations Coverage Score based on selected knowledge expectations. This score will then be transferred to the appropriate line on the Overall Summary Form.
6. Record notes to justify scores and to inform group discussions and curriculum decisions.
7. Analyze Standard 1 for each curriculum being reviewed. If the curriculum addresses more than one grade span, complete a separate analysis of Standard 1 for each grade.
8. Complete a separate Overall Summary Form for each curriculum and grade span.

Universal instructions for completing curriculum analysis aligned with National Health Education Standards (NHES) 2-8: Health-Enhancing Skills

The Standards 2–8 analysis will result in two ratings for each standard. One rating reflects the extent to which the curriculum addresses the skill expectations important to support the selected knowledge expectations (KE), and aligned HBOs, in the selected health topic module. The second reflects the extent to which the curriculum provides opportunities for students to understand and practice the skills necessary to meet these skill expectations.

The National Health Education Standards (NHES) 2–8 describe the key processes and performance indicators that help students promote personal, family and community health. CDC reviewed these and other state-level indicators, analyzed the research on effective programs, and used input from experts in health education to develop a list of relevant general skill expectations for each standard.

Each Standard 2–8 lists the skill expectations for each grade span. The health topic module-specific skill expectations are based on the general skill expectations listed in Appendix 3: HECAT Skill Expectations for Skill Standards 2–8 under the HELP menu. There are some grade spans for which skill expectations are not applicable. These include the statement "NA - Skill expectations are not identified for this grade group."

Very few topic-specific curricula address every skill expectation in every grade. Before analyzing the curriculum, determine the most appropriate skill expectations for the grade span(s) under consideration and ensure that the other skill expectations are addressed in other grades or other topics. Add skill expectations to reflect community needs and meet the curriculum requirements of the school district. Refer to Appendix 3, under the HELP menu, for guidance when considering additions. Also, review skill expectations in other health topic modules for those that could be edited and added to the skill expectations for this topic.

The skill expectations are numbered sequentially for the ease of identification and discussion. Before each skill expectation, the number represents topic abbreviation, NHES standard number, grade span (last grade in that span), and skill expectation item number.

Directions for Standards 2-8

1. Review the topic-specific skill expectations for each standard.
2. Decide if any skill expectations need to be added or modified to meet the needs of the community or to conform to the curriculum requirements of the state or school district. Look in other related topic modules for ones that might be edited and added to the list of skill expectations for this topic.
3. Read the curriculum to become familiar with the content, the focus on skill practice, and the methods used to convey skill practice.
4. Select the box next to each skill expectation that is addressed by the curriculum. Important — a skill expectation is "addressed" if there is sufficient information provided in the curriculum for students to be able to demonstrate competency in this skill expectation. Some skill expectations might require more evidence than others.
5. Complete the Student Skill Practice Score by selecting the criteria box for each statement that applies to the curriculum. The total number of checks will be calculated for an overall score.
6. HECAT Online will calculate scores based on selected skill expectations and opportunities for practice. These scores will be transferred to the Skill Expectations Coverage Score and the Student Skill Practice Score in the appropriate lines on the Overall Summary Form.
7. Record notes to justify scores and to inform group discussions and curriculum decisions.
8. Complete a separate Overall Summary Form for each curriculum and grade span.