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The department provides professional development and technical assistance to school faculty and administrators specific to the development and implementation of health education standards-based curricula, instruction and assessment. The department also provides on loan to schools a wide variety of health education curricula and supplemental materials through the Health Education Resource Center (HERC).
Sequential school health programs for K-12 students prove to be more effective in changing health behaviors than occasional programs on a single health topic. Health literacy is defined as “the capacity of individuals to obtain, interpret and understand basic health information and service, and the competence to use such information and services in ways that enhance health.” People who are health literate:
- can think things through and make healthy choices in solving their own problems,
- are responsible and make choices that benefit themselves and others,
- are in charge of their own learning and
- can use communication skills in clear and respectful ways.
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Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) for 2009: Invitation to Participate (Added 11/6/08)
The Vermont Department of Health and the Vermont Department of Education would like to invite Vermont schools (with grades 8 to 12) to participate in the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The survey will be administered by participating schools between January and February 2009. Results will be distributed by the beginning of school year 2009-2010. Use the link above to view detailed information and requirements, along with an "interest in participating" form that needs to be submitted no later than November 21, 2008. For questions or more information, contact Sabine Baldwin at (802) 828-0183 or sabine.baldwin@state.vt.us.
Health Education Grade Expectation Resources
In 2007, Vermont’s Health Education Grade Expectations (GEs) were revised to reflect current research and best practice. It is hoped that these revised Health Education GEs will enhance the assessment, curriculum, and instruction work of schools and teachers. The new Health Grade Cluster Expectation (GCEs) are organized into seven content areas: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs; Family, Social and Sexual Health; Mental and Emotional Health, Nutrition and Physical Activity; Personal Health and Wellness; and Violence and Injury Prevention. Like the Grade Level Expectations in other content areas, the Health Grade Cluster Expectations are more specific statements of the Vermont standards in Vermont Framework of Standards & Learning Opportunities. However, unlike the Grade Level Expectations which delineate specific grade levels, these grade expectations are organized by Grade Clusters (pre-K and K; 1 and 2; 3 and 4; 5 and 6; 7 and 8; and high school). The purpose of using grade clusters is to provide additional flexibility for alignment of local curriculum and local comprehensive assessment systems.
Health Education Guidelines for Curriculum and Assessment
The information in this manual is designed to support Vermont teachers and curriculum developers in the development of curriculum, instruction and assessment of students’ knowledge and skills in health education. This guide is based on Vermont’s Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities. Order copies of this document using the form below.
Health Education Resource Centers (HERCs)
The Vermont Department of Education operates a Health Education Resource Center (HERC) that maintains a variety of pre-K-12 health education materials. Currently practicing school and community-based health educators may borrow curricula, books, reference resources, models & kits and audio-visual materials.
Linking Health & Learning Bulletin
This monthly, electronic resource is intended to keep Vermont educators and youth-serving professionals up-to-date on resources, professional development and grant/funding opportunities, and other issues related to healthy and safe schools. NOTE: The bulletin is not published during the summer months.
Share Your School Success Stories
Share a specific success in your school to help educate and motivate others; provide stories for the Vermont Department of Education to share with its partners, including the Centers for Disease Control; and to potentially gain recognition for accomplishments in your school community. The success story may be related to healthy nutrition environment, physical activity/education, tobacco-free lifestyles, alcohol and other drug use prevention, HIV prevention, safe school initiatives, efforts to better coordinate school health, or another health-related topic. To submit a success story, click on http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=128793031841.
Vermont 2006 School Health Profile Report
The Vermont Department of Education employs the School Health Profiles, a data collection instrument developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to obtain school-based information about current health policies and health education programs. This instrument, designed for use in secondary schools that contain any grades from six through twelve, asks questions of the school administrators and the school health educators. The department collected data in 2002 and again in 2006. The charts in the report provide a comparison of the 2002 and 2006 data sets and are representative of secondary principals and school health educators in Vermont.
Other Health-related Resources
- Center for Health and Learning
The center works collaboratively with schools, communities and institutions of higher education in preparing professionals to help youth make healthy choices and reduce risk-taking behavior.
- Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH)
The Center for Disease Control's (CDC) DASH program focuses on preventing the most serious health risk behaviors among children, adolescents, and young adults.
- Vermont Department of Health (VDH)
The VDH works to protect and improve the health of our population through core public health functions.
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