This handbook provides background information on the health curriculum, as well as current, comprehensive information on publications, standards, and special materials for K-12 health education. The manual begins with an introduction, by P. Bruce Uhrmacher, which provides an overview of the ideologies and philosophies that have affected curriculum in the United States through the years. Following the introduction, the book is divided into the following chapters: (1) "Current Trends" (Beverly Saxton Mahoney and Larry Olsen); (2) "Overview of Curriculum Design and Implementation" (David K. Lohrmann); (3) "The Role of Governmental Health and Education Agencies in School Health Education" (Sally J. Goss); (4) "Main Topics and Integration"--provides models for integrating health topics into the core curriculum--(Sherri T. Reynolds); (5) "State-Level Curriculum Guidelines: An Analysis" (Charles R. Baffi); (6) "State-Level Curriculum Guidelines: A Listing"; (7) "Development of an Assessment Program" (Donna M. Videto); (8) "Recommended Commercial Curriculum Materials" (Kerry J. Redican and Terry Wessel); (9) "Methods and Resources for the Classroom" (Candace Purdy and Deborah J. Cummens); (10) "Children's Trade Books in Health Education" (Cynthia Wolford Symons and Anthony L. Manna); (11) "Funding the Project"; (12) "Curriculum Material Producers"; (13) "Statewide Textbook Adoption"; (14) "Index to Reviews of Educational Materials"; and (15) "Kraus Curriculum Development Library (KCDL) Locations" (a state-by-state listing of libraries that subscribe to KCDL). (LL)