SOPHE releases an interactive website for the Characteristics of an Effective Health Education Curriculum

Effective health education teaching strategies and learning experiences

Washington, D.C., July 28, 2023 – The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) has developed a new interactive website to assist educators with using the 15 Characteristics of an Effective Health Education Curriculum to support effective learning and promote public health through education.

The Characteristics of an Effective Health Education Curriculum are supported by a growing body of research showing that health information must not only be scientifically accurate but also must address health-related skills, personal and social values and beliefs to impact health behaviors among youth.

Effective pedagogical strategies are essential for sustained student engagement, fostering an inclusive academic environment, and achieving the desired learning outcome. By ensuring that health education curricula take into consideration the recommendations for effective teaching, health information is provided equitably and sustainably. 

SOPHE’s new resource includes examples for each of the 15 characteristics that educators can use in a hybrid learning environment to assist with teaching the characteristics.

The interactive website resource can be accessed via https://elearn.sophe.org/school-health-characteristics by grade-level spans; K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Characteristics of an Effective Health Education Curriculum are a foundation for curriculum and instruction in health education. This project provides teachers, curriculum developers, and other school and community personnel with valuable grade-span examples to articulate the application of the characteristics to teaching and learning in health education," said Marlene Tappe, PhD.

Regardless of the curriculum content, utilizing the 15 Characteristics of an Effective Health Education Curriculum has shown to contribute to better student outcomes related to health and learning. By purposefully incorporating these techniques, educators can be confident in their ability to impact students’ healthy decision-making and promote health-enhancing behaviors.