Introduction to the HECAT Health ed

Introduction to the HECAT

Health education is integral to the primary
mission of schools. It provides young people with
the knowledge and skills they need to become
successful learners and healthy and productive
adults. Health education is a fundamental part of
an overall school health program. Increasing the
number of schools that provide health education
on key health problems facing young people is a
critical health objective for improving our nation’s
health.1
Health instruction in schools is shaped, in
large part, by the health education curriculum.
Choosing or developing the best possible health
education curriculum is a critical step in ensuring
that health education is effectively promoting
healthy behaviors. The curriculum selection
or development process, however, can lack
structure and focus, which can result in choosing
or developing curricula that are inadequate or
ineffective. The Health Education Curriculum
Analysis Tool (HECAT) provides guidance
and tools to improve curriculum selection and
development.