In July 2020, RMC Health released their updated health skill guides created by health educators and experts in skills-based health education. Aligned to the National Health Education Standards, these guides are a free resource available on the RMC Health website and are available for grades PreK-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. The skills include: Analyze Influences, Access Valid & Reliable Resources, Interpersonal Communication, Decision-Making, Goal-Setting, Self-Management, and Advocacy for Self & Others. The guides break each skill into steps in student-friendly language as well as sub skills. In addition to steps and sub skills, the guides provide suggested learning activities, language supports, assessment tools, and guidance on integrating the health skills across contents. In addition to the guides, RMC Health offers posters for all of the health skills that can be displayed in classrooms and shared with students to support their mastery of the health skills.
The health skill guides are already being incorporated into health curriculums across the country, including Portland Public Schools, New York City Public Schools, and Erika’s Lighthouse, “a not-for-profit dedicated to educating and raising awareness about adolescent depression, encouraging good mental health and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues.” Erika’s Lighthouse recently incorporated our steps for Access Valid & Reliable Resources into their Depression and Suicide Awareness for High School Students program.
If you are interested in learning more about how to use RMC Health’s health skill guides in your skills-based health education curriculum or providing training to health educators to implement in their classrooms, reach out to Amanda Nichols (amandan@rmc.org).
Colorado Education Initiative