Goal of Substance Abuse Education
The goal of substance education, and thus the substance education standards, is substance abuse literacy. Substance abuse literacy is the capacity of individuals to obtain, interpret, and understand drug information, products, and services and the competence to use such information, products, and services in ways that will enhance personal, family, school, and community health. Additionally, the substance abuse education literate person is: a critical thinker and problem solver, a responsible, productive citizen, a self-directed learner, and an effective communicator.
Goal of Health Education
The goal of health education, and thus the health education standards, is health literacy. Health literacy is the capacity of individuals to obtain, interpret, and understand basic health information, products, and services and the competence to use such information, products, and services in ways that will enhance personal, family, school, and community health. Additionally, the health literate person is: a critical thinker and problem solver, a responsible, productive citizen, a self-directed learner, and an effective communicator.
Philosophy and Rationale for the Health Education
Health education is essential to the health and learning of adolescents. The health and health-related behaviors of students have a direct impact on their school attendance and ability to learn. Health education in schools is also essential because many health behaviors are initiated during childhood and are related to many of the leading and preventable causes of disease, disability, and death in the United States. Researchers indicate that health education in schools represents an effective way to enable students to develop the knowledge and skills that they need to avoid health risks and enhance both their health and their academic achievement. Health education provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to not only enhance their personal health, but also the health of their families, schools, and communities.