Illustrates the need for values and morals education to bridge the gap between what students know and how they behave. The paper discusses the decay of American morals and values, suggesting how they can be incorporated into health education and noting what is required for that to happen. (SM)

Presents proceedings from a conference cosponsored by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing and the Coalition of National Health Education Organizations. Twenty-four professionals developed goals to provide direction for the profession, identifying internal and external actions to move health education into a significant role…

Reports a study that examined the extent and nature of mental health/illness education in American undergraduate higher education. Surveys of 93 program chairpersons and directors indicated that 56% of responding programs required a course emphasizing mental health or mental illness for students with a major or minor in health education. (SM)

This article discusses the role alcohol frequently plays in instances of interpersonal violence and suggests implications for health education. Data on the extent of the problem are provided and research findings concerning the basic aggression-violence model and alcohol and aggression are reviewed. Recommendations to health educators include…

This article reviews the history of the Role Definition Project which developed the Competency Based Curriculum Framework (1985) providing standards for health educators. It discusses origins of the project in a 1977 report, a 1978 workshop, the Project's activities in role specification and verification, a national conference, curriculum…

This article first presents background information on outcome or performance-based assessment approaches, including use of portfolios, and then examines the feasibility of using portfolios for assessment in university personal health classes. Suggestions for course planning, instruction, and evaluation are offered. (DB)

Data depicting the number and characteristics of new doctorates in health education for the period 1983-92 are provided. During this period 274 doctorates were awarded to men and 636 to women. Ethnic minorities received 7.6% of doctorates. No trends toward increasing minority numbers within the health education professoriate were found.…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Trading Cards Program to positively influence elementary students' (n=829) perceptions about the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. The program used drug-free high school students to model behaviors and social competencies. Significant differences were found between elementary students in the…

This article examines what students report learning and how they received instruction over an eight-month period. Results indicated that students of teachers in the graduate program recalled more specific health content and participated in more interactive activities than did control teachers' students. (SM)

Reports on the Wisconsin Elementary Health Education Pilot Project diffusion activities. Activity report logs from participating schools report diffusion data for 21 activities related to school culture/climate, staff development, and health curriculum/instruction. Results indicate that project schools have begun the diffusion process leading…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a program to positively influence students about substance use. Drug-free high school students modeled behaviors and social competencies for elementary students through ongoing relationships. Elementary students' surveys supported the use of role models to create a social norm that nonuse is acceptable.…

This article describes Generation X young adults as they are described by the popular press and in health education literature, focusing on sociodemographic characteristics, health characteristics and risks, learning characteristics, the conflict between Generation X and baby boomers, and ways to conduct more effective health education for them.…

This study examined whether a comprehensive elementary health education curriculum influenced students' health behaviors after reaching eighth grade. Surveys of students in intervention and nonintervention districts indicated no apparent curriculum effects for most health behaviors. The only major difference was for the variable of age at first…

Preschool children within the Head Start program completed a picture identification study to assess their healthy behavior recognition. Results indicated that the instrument was a stable tool for assessing preschoolers' picture recognition abilities. There were significant age and ethnic group differences, but gender was not a factor. (SM)

Describes "HeartPower," a health promotion program for students from preschool to middle school. Designed to supplement existing class curriculum, "HeartPower" helps educators teach students to learn, live, and love the behaviors that contribute to a healthier heart for a lifetime. Information on obtaining and using "HeartPower" is included. (SM)