Introduction

The overarching goal of school health education in Oklahoma is to ensure that school-aged youth become health literate individuals who possess the skills, knowledge, and dispositions to lead healthy active lives. The health education content standards and respective grade band specific performance outcomes presented here provide the expectations that school programs and services will set for all Oklahoma students. An effective health education program offers all students the opportunity to gain the needed skills, knowledge, and dispositions toward healthy lifestyles. It is the responsibility of schools to provide opportunities for all students to become competent, literate and enthusiastic learners, in ways that make health class a highly desired, enjoyable, and worthwhile experience. Students who participate in effective health education programs gain the essential health skills necessary to adopt, practice, and maintain health-enhancing behaviors.

The eight health education standards reflected in the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Health Education provide a framework for educators to ensure school-aged students become health literate individuals.

Defining Standards, Curriculum, and Instruction

It is important to note that standards are neither curriculum, instructional practices or strategies; standards serve as a foundation for curriculum. See below for the distinction between standards, curriculum, and instruction:

• Standards: The concepts, content, and skills students should master by the end of a specific grade.
• Curriculum: The materials and resources used for teaching the standards.
• Instruction: The practices teachers use to deliver academic content to students. Teachers should utilize a variety of instructional techniques and strategies to ensure students master academic standards.

The 2026 Oklahoma Academic Standards for Health Education are the result of the contributions of educators and experts in health and health education from across the state of Oklahoma. This document reflects a balanced synthesis of the work of all members of the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Health Education Writing Committee and feedback from educators, external reviews, and numerous education stakeholders.

Resources for Health Education

Below are some resources for health education. Click on the hyperlink to access the resource and/or website.