The revision process for the Health Education Framework has begun! One of the initial steps in the framework revision process is convening focus groups to provide input regarding what guidance the framework should offer teachers and other educators. The revised framework will focus on instruction and learning that is based on the state-adopted Health Education Content Standards, research on health education, and current statutes.
For more information on the CDE Health Education Framework and Health Education Content Standards for California Public Schools, Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve, please visit the following Web page: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/he/cf/. While the revised health education framework will not include information about every individual standard, the environment will be one of the topics discussed. Standards related to the environment are an important focus of the personal and community health content area from kindergarten (K.1.1.P, Identify practices that are good for the environment, such as turning off lights and water, recycling, and picking up trash) to high school (9-12.1.12.P, Identify global environmental issues.).
Below is a list of Health Education Content Standards for California Public Schools, Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve related to the environment:
Standard 1: Essential Concepts
Grade 1 Examples: 1.5.P Identify practices that are good for the environment, such as turning off lights and water, recycling, and picking up trash. 1.7.P Discuss how individual behavior affects the environment and community.
Grade 3 Examples: 1.5.P Describe how a healthy environment is essential to personal and community health. 1.6.P Discuss how reducing, recycling, and reusing products make for a healthier environment.
Grade 7 and 8 Example: 1.9.P Identify ways that environmental factors, including air quality, affect our health. 1.10.P Identify human activities that contribute to environmental challenges (e.g., air, water, and noise pollution). 1.11.P Describe global influences on personal and community health.
Grades 9 through 12 Examples: 1.6.P Describe the dangers of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, lead, asbestos, pesticides, and unclean air and water; and discuss strategies for avoiding exposure. 1.12.P Identify global environmental issues. 1.13.P Describe the impact of air and water pollution on health. 1.14.P Identify ways to reduce pollution and harmful health effects (e.g., by using alternative methods of transportation).
Standard 2: Analyzing Influences
Kindergarten Example 2.1.N Recognize that not all products advertised or sold are good for them.
Grade 7 and 8 Examples: 2.2.P Analyze how environmental pollutants, including noise pollution, affect health. 2.3.P Analyze the relationship between the health of a community and the global environment.
Grades 9 through 12 Example: 2.4.P Discuss ways to stay informed about environmental issues.
Standard 3: Accessing Valid Information
Grades 9 through 12 Examples: 3.3.P Evaluate current research about the health consequences of poor environmental conditions. 3.4.P Identify government and community agencies that promote health and protect the environment.
Standard 5: Decision Making
Grade 5 example 5.1.N Describe ways to participate regularly in active play and enjoyable physical activities.
Grades 9 through 12 Examples: 5.3.P Apply a decision-making process to a community or environmental health issue.
Standard 6: Goal Setting
Grade 5 Example: 6.1.P Monitor progress toward a goal to help protect the environment.
Grade 7 and 8 Example: 6.2.P Design a plan to minimize environmental pollutants, including noise at home and in the community.
Standard 7: Practicing Health-Enhancing Behaviors
Grade 3 Example: 7.2.P Demonstrate ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle at home, at school, and in the community.
Standard 8: Health Promotion
Grade 3 Example: 8.2.P Encourage others to promote a healthy environment.
Grade 5 Example: 8.1.P Encourage others to minimize pollution in the environment.
Grade 7 and 8 Example: 8.3.P Demonstrate ways to accept responsibility for conserving natural resources.
Grades 9 through 12 Examples: 8.1.P Support personal or consumer health issues that promote community wellness. 8.2.P Encourage societal and environmental conditions that benefit health.
