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Effectiveness of infusing State science proficiency objectives into health lesson planning for middle school students using CDC "Education Resources for Teachers": Report of a case study

Kathy Akpom, PhD, MPH, Community Health Program, Department of Health Professions, Youngstown State University, One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44555, Krista Bader, NEOU MPH Program, Youngstown State University, One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44504, 330-941-1901, kristabader@msn.com, and Lana Ilain, BSAS, Department of Health Professions, Youngstown State University, One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44555.

The National Health Education Standards provide the foundation for curriculum development in health education that are grade-level appropriate and contribute to development of health consumers equipped to make informed, decisions that positively impact their health and well being. Health education is not a subject that is considered a priority in many schools, in part because it is not subject to State Proficiency exams. The project reported here is an example of a unit developed to meet State Science objectives as well as National Health Education Standards for 6th grade. Also infused in the unit are relevant State Math and English objectives. The activity was developed as an enrichment activity for students not proficient in Science, English and Math. Program content is derived from the “Teachers’ Tools Educational Resources for Teachers at K-12 Grades” contained on the CDC web site http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/teachers_tools/index.htm. The program was developed and conducted for a GEAR UP project in a small midwestern community, in partnership with Youngstown State University. GEAR UP is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and has as its goal “to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.“ http://www.ed.gov/programs/gearup/index.html. The described teaching unit increases student proficiency according to health education standards as well as infused proficiency standards, and encourages learning though fun, interactive lessons. It also increases student awareness about public health careers.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be aable to

Keywords: Education, School Health Educators

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: CDC teacher resources available on web
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

School Health Posters: Curriculum; Programs; Services

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA