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Health Education

Health education in District 86 involves the development of knowledge, attitudes, and skills that are useful in adolescent and adult life. It aims to promote health literacy by engaging students in a self-directed exploration of the concept of personal wellness.

The health curriculum includes instruction in the following areas:

  • Human ecology and health.

  • Human growth and development.

  • The emotional, psychological, physiological, hygienic and social responsibilities of family life.

  • Prevention and control of disease, including the prevention, transmission and spread of AIDS.

  • Age-appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention education;.

  • Public and environmental health.

  • Consumer health.

  • Safety education and disaster survival.

  • Mental health and illness.

  • Personal health habits.

  • Alcohol and drug use and abuse, including the medical and legal ramifications of alcohol, drug and tobacco use.

  • Evidence-based and medically accurate information regarding sexual abstinence.

  • The dangers of tobacco and e-cigarettes and other vapor device use.

  • Nutrition.

  • Dental health.

Since 2012, District 86 has structured its sex education curriculum using the National Sex Education Standards (NSES). The NSES update that was issued in 2022 and adopted by ISBE for use in public schools can be accessed by visiting https://bit.ly/3Ju6Bhn. Pages eight and nine of the document summarize the changes that were made to the standards.

Our health program also includes information about:

  • The Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act.
  • Cancer, including types, signs and symptoms, risk factors, the importance of early prevention and detection, and where to go for help. 

In addition, students receive training on the proper administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of an automated external defibrillator in accordance with the American Heart Association and Red Cross.