THURS-038 - National Health Education Standards (NHES): A Deep Dive into Applying the NHES in Practice

Brief Abstract Summary: In 2022, the National Health Education Standards (NHES) were updated to better address the needs of today’s youth. Unlike previous editions, this version includes tools designed for professional development to support educators in applying the standards through backwards design. While resources like webinars and podcasts exist, few opportunities allow for hands-on practice with expert guidance. This workshop fills that gap by guiding participants through standards-based lesson design and collaborative problem-solving activities. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to use the NHES to create engaging, skill-based lessons that promote healthy behaviors.

Detailed abstract description: In 2022, the National Health Education Standards (NHES) were revised under the leadership of the Consensus Group, ushering in a transformative shift in health education. This third edition reflects a deep understanding of the complex and evolving challenges faced by today’s youth, offering a comprehensive framework for age- and developmentally-appropriate instruction that aligns with the needs of 21st-century learners. The updated standards emphasize not only what students should know, but also what they should be able to do—placing equal importance on knowledge acquisition and the development of essential health-related skills.
Unlike previous editions, which were often disseminated without structured implementation support, the third edition was released with a strong commitment to educator training and capacity-building. The Consensus Group prioritized the creation of professional development tools and resources designed to help educators effectively apply the standards in real-world settings. These tools promote the use of backwards design, encouraging educators to begin with desired student outcomes and work backward to create purposeful, standards-based lessons that foster both cognitive understanding and behavioral competence.
Since the release, educators have had access to webinars, podcasts, and conference presentations that introduce the standards and their applications. However, while these resources provide valuable information, opportunities for hands-on practice with expert guidance remain limited. To fully realize the potential of the NHES and the accompanying tools, educators need immersive experiences that allow them to apply the standards in collaborative, supportive environments.
This interactive workshop addresses that need. Presenters will introduce participants to the professional development tools and guide them through the process of designing standards-based health education lessons. Participants will work in small groups to explore how to select and integrate complementary standards—pairing content with appropriate skill development—to create lessons that are both engaging and effective. A group problem-solving activity will challenge participants to think critically about lesson design and the alignment of standards with student needs.
By the end of the session, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to use the NHES to enhance instructional quality and student outcomes. They will leave with practical strategies for designing lessons that not only meet educational standards but also empower students to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors. This workshop offers a vital opportunity for educators to move beyond awareness into confident, skillful application—ensuring that the NHES serve as a dynamic tool for enriching health education in today’s classrooms.