Health Education Course Syllabus

Instructors

Lead Instructor
Course: PE 422
Term Instructors Contact information is available through the school portal.

Course Description

Health Education is a wellness-based class designed to help students improve and maintain their health by building health literacy and lifelong healthy habits. Students will develop college and career readiness skills as they learn factual information to promote healthy behaviors and avoid risky behaviors.

Topics covered include:

Wellness
Goal Setting and Decision Making
Character Development
Nutrition and Weight Management
Mental Health, Stress Management, Mental Illness, and Suicide Prevention
Effective Communication
Family Crises and Abuse
Family and Peer Relationships
Abstinence and Contraception
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases
Preventive Healthcare and Medicine Use
Addiction (behavioral addictions, nicotine, alcohol, prescription, and illegal drugs)

Course Objectives

Aligned with National Health Education Standards from the American Association for Health Education, students will:

Comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention.
Analyze the influence of family, peers, culture, media, technology, and other factors on health behaviors.
Access valid health information, products, and services.
Use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health and reduce risks.
Apply decision-making skills to improve personal health.
Use goal-setting strategies for lifelong health improvement.
Practice health-enhancing behaviors and avoid or reduce risks.
Advocate for personal, family, and community health.

Learning Activities and Assessments

Learning experiences include:

Individual textbook readings
In-class and online activities
Peer feedback and reflection writing
Small group collaboration
Online instructional games and activities
Frequent formative quizzes and summative unit exams

Grades are determined and updated weekly, based on mastery of course content. Practice activities are designed to develop skills and understanding but are not graded. Regular verbal and written feedback is provided to support student growth, similar to a coach’s or director’s guidance.

Course Grading Policy

Grades are based on a 5-point scale:

Grade

Scale
A (90–100%)

Mastery (5)
B (80–89%)

Accomplished (4)
C (70–79%)

Developing/Approaching (3)
D (60–69%)

Beginning (2)
F (0–59%)

Little to No Understanding (1 or 0)

Semester grades follow an “80/20” weighting:

80% from assessments and coursework throughout the semester
20% from the combined midterm and final exams

Grades are cumulative over the semester and do not reset at the 9-week mark.

Makeups and Retakes

Students are required to complete all formative quizzes and summative assessments on campus during the designated unit time. If missed, students must complete work during the scheduled Work Day, typically 1–2 days after the unit ends.

Students are allowed one retake per summative Unit Exam, with advance request. Retakes must be completed within five school days of the scheduled Work Day. Midterm and Final Exams are not eligible for retakes.

Essential Questions

What is the relationship between access to healthcare and overall health status?
What are the most significant influences on health behaviors today?
How can individuals determine the legitimacy of health information, products, and services?
How do communication skills impact personal health?
Why can decision-making be challenging?
What skills are necessary for effective goal-setting?
When does maintaining personal health become an individual’s responsibility?
What value does advocating for healthy behaviors bring to oneself, family, and friends?

Units Overview

Unit 1: Introduction to Wellness
Unit 2: Stress Management and Mental Health
Unit 3: Family and Peer Relationships
Unit 4: Nutrition and Food Choices
Unit 5: Substance Abuse and Medicines
Unit 6: Diseases
Unit 7: Endocrine System and Reproduction

Required Readings

Prentice Hall Health textbook (updated online edition)

Required Course Materials

Students must bring the following to class daily:

iPad or Chromebook (school-issued)
Device charger (kept in book bag)
Folder or 3-ring binder

Supplementary Course Materials

Students are strongly encouraged to utilize:

Note-taking guides
Final exam review guides
Supplementary readings
Online practice activities

These materials will be available online or distributed in class to support learning and preparation.

Attendance Expectations

Consistent attendance is critical for success. In compliance with Illinois State School Code, students should only miss class for serious health or family emergencies.

All missed required work must be completed within five school days following the unit’s Work Day.

Promptness

Students must be inside the classroom when the bell rings. Late students should wait quietly outside while attendance is taken, then will be allowed to enter. Students without a pass will be marked tardy through ThinkWave.

Personal Electronic Devices

Cell phones and ear devices must be stored in students’ bags once class begins. Failure to comply will result in a pass to the Dean’s office for corrective action.