The goal of health education is to provide Kentucky students with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2017), “research shows a strong connection between healthy behaviors and academic achievement (e.g., grades, standardized tests, graduation rates, attendance).” Skill development, in conjunction with opportunities for creating and reinforcing healthy behaviors, focuses on personal decision-making, goal setting, self-management, interpersonal communication, accessing information, analyzing influences and advocacy. When these skills are combined with foundational health-related information, students are equipped to navigate today’s complex society and lead healthy lifestyles.

Standard 8: Encourage schools and communities to promote healthy behaviors that reduce the risk of disease and violence and promote positive emotional health messages. HS.6.2. Use goal-setting strategies to develop realistic short- and longterm goals to enhance personal well-being, reduce the risk of disease, promote emotional health and reduce violence.