Blaine High School – Health Education

Choices and the Impact on Freedom

Kymberly Cummings – Teacher

2006-2007

This is a semester class required for high school graduation. It is designed using an integrated approach and incorporating the principles of brain-based learning as well as the appropriate health and fitness state standards. The overall theme of this class is “Choices and the Impact on Freedom.” This will be used to integrate the essential concepts from the three areas of total wellness; physical, mental, and social. This class emphasizes the processes of learning through the content vehicle of health education. Concepts included are personality development, emotion and stress management, decision-making, problem-solving, goal-setting, relationships, conflict resolution, respect, diversity, community involvement, nutrition, fitness, disease, human sexuality, STD’s, substance abuse, and personal safety. The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements determine what is studied. Class format uses minimal direct teaching focusing more on student-centered, performance/project based learning.

Course Outline (tentative and subject to change as needed)

I. Introduction – Team building – 1^st week

II. The Brain and Learning – 2 weeks

III. Mental Wellness – Approx. 5 weeks

a. Introduce Final project

b. Getting there activities

c. Final

Key concepts: personality development, values, emotions, stress, self-image,

goal-setting, decision-making, problem-solving, career/life direction

IV. Social Wellness – Approx. 5-6 weeks

(same format as mental wellness)

Key Concepts: communication, diversity, respect, relationships, conflict

resolution, media literacy, environment

V. Holistic Wellness – Approx. 5-6 weeks

(same format)

Key Concepts: body systems, sexuality, STD’s, teen pregnancy, nutrition

fitness, substance abuse, personal safety

Classroom Protocol: (expectations)

*It is the natural function of everyone’s brain to learn

*You are responsible for your own learning – you must make real-life connections

*Treat everyone including you with empathy and respect

*Ask questions and communicate…ALWAYS!

*Allocate this time as your “stress free” period…leave it outside!

*Pick up and turn in materials in the bin labeled for your class period

*Take care of your learning needs in respectful and responsible ways (eat, drink)

Assessment:

The goal of this class is Not to jump hoops to receive a grade. The goal is to get involved in your learning…to engage in the processes of learning and be able to transfer those skills to new and varied situations. In doing this you will enhance the quality of your life.

Projects, activities, and performances will be assessed using a 4 point scoring guide. A 2 on this guide is the standard, meaning is satisfies the criteria and requirements I have established. A 1 does not meet the standard and must be re-submitted. All work can be re-submitted within a week of the established due date through written communication with Ms. C. You can continue to re-submit weekly until you earn the score you want. Scores of 3 and 4 are more challenging and allow students to earn B and A grades.

There is no such thing as “extra credit.” It isn’t necessary with the re-submit policy. It is very important that you understand that the focus is not the attainment of a grade. The focus is on real learning…with that effort from you, you will receive whatever grade is important to you.