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Health

Health Education Overview

Health Education provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop health literacy, so they are able to access valid information, resources and services in order to develop, maintain and promote healthy behaviors. 

Dimensions of Health: Environmental, Physical, Social, Emotional, and Mental

Health education is built on the foundation of teaching to all dimensions of the whole child. The eight main standards in health education focus on the development of knowledge and skills that students will use throughout their lifetimes – understanding health content and concepts; analyzing influences; interpersonal communication; decision-making; goal setting; self-management; and advocacy. Quality health education requires time for students to develop and practice healthy behaviors, and ensures that students from every background and identity can learn the knowledge and skills to live their best, and healthiest lives.

  • ​Safety of School Sports - Concussions

    During the 2009 Session, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 348 in an attempt to respond to the serious issue of sports-related concussion injuries as a result of inappropriate treatment and diagnosis. This legislation requires individuals engaged in athletic coaching in Oregon be annually trained in recognizing the signs and symptoms of a concussion and how to seek proper medical treatment for a person suspected of having a concussion.

  • Anabolic Steroids and Performance-enhancing Substances

    Since 2007 with the leadership of the Legislature through ORS 342.726, ODE responded to the very serious issue of use and abuse of anabolic steroids and performance enhancing substances (ASPES) among school-age children.

  • Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in Schools​

    An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device that analyzes cardiac rhythm and prompts a user to deliver a shock when necessary. Its purpose is to jolt abnormal heart rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation, back to normal sinus rhythm.

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Oregon Health Education Standards and Performance Indicators were adopted by the State Board of Education in December 2016.

  • National Health Education Standard

    The National Health Education Standards (NHES) are written expectations for what students should know and be able to do by grades 2, 5, 8, and 12 to promote personal, family, and community health. The standards provide a framework for curriculum development and selection, instruction, and student assessment in health education.

  • Appropriate Practices in School-Based Health Education

    This SHAPE America Guidance Document gives teachers, administrators, curriculum specialists and teacher trainers a detailed blueprint for designing and delivering health education that meets national, state and local standards and frameworks.

  • Sexuality Education

    Sexuality Education is a required part of Health Education. This page contains resources, programs, and requirements for implementing K-12 Sexuality Education in Oregon.

  • Tilte IV-A Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) Grant

    The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) contains specific language that allows school districts to utilize Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (Title IV, Part A) for programs and activities that support student access to a well-rounded education.

  • Health Resources​

    Professional development, professional organizations and publications, and more.

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SB13 Tribal History/Shared History: Health Lessons

Health Education Newsletter 

To receive updates about Health and/or Physical Education, including our monthly newsletter, please subscribe to ODE’s Health and Physical Education listserv by entering your email address.  You may update your ODE listserv subscription by clicking “Subscriber Preferences.”

  • ​October​ 2022 - coming soon
  • September 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022 - coming soon
  • April 2022 - coming soon
  • March 2022 - coming soon
  • February 2022 - coming soon
  • January 2022 - coming soon​

For questions regarding the ODE Health program, contact Suzanne Hidde, 503-947-5960.
For questions regarding the ODE Sexuality Education program, contact Sasha Grenier, 503-339-5407.