Skills-Based Health Education

What Is Skills-Based Health Education?

Preparing students for success includes teaching health skills that empower them to make informed choices. Fresno Pacific University’s Skills-Based Health Education course provides educators with the tools to build, teach and assess a comprehensive health program that meets national standards. This course emphasizes life skills in health education, helping students develop critical thinking, decision-making and self-management strategies for lifelong wellness. Rooted in evidence-based practices, it offers a personalized approach to enhancing student learning while improving health outcomes.

With practical assignments, action plans and lesson development, educators gain hands-on experience in teaching health skills that align with national standards. They also learn to equip students with the knowledge and confidence to navigate health challenges and thrive in school and beyond.

What Will You Learn? 

In this course, educators will explore a comprehensive framework for teaching health skills through a skills-based approach. The course is divided into nine modules across three key areas.

Part I introduces the foundations of skills-based health education, including why this approach is effective and how to understand what motivates students. Part II dives into the essential life skills outlined in the National Health Education Standards, such as decision making, self-management and advocacy. In Part III, educators will learn how to use data to guide curriculum planning, follow eight clear steps for curriculum development, and design meaningful assessments that support student learning and growth.

What Are the Assignments and Projects?

Students can enroll in the Skills-Based Health Education professional development course at any time and take up to one year from the registration date to complete all assignments. Modules within the course include:

• Building the Foundation of a Skills-Based Approach
• Accessing Valid and Reliable Information
• Analyzing Influences
• Interpersonal Communication
• Strategies for Effective Instruction

Who Should Enroll in the Skills-Based Health Education Course?

The Skills-Based Health Education course is designed for K-14th grade teachers.

What Educators Who Took the Skills-Based Health Education Course Say

“This course was exceptional! It taught me so much about implementing skills-based health into a curriculum. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to improve their health curriculum and their teaching!”

- Educator, Massachusetts

“This class really helped me become a better teacher. I learned many new ideas to make sure my students are learning the skills needed to make important decisions about their health.”

- Educator, Maine

NOTE: Required book must be purchased separately.

This course is applicable towards the Health Education Teaching Certificate.