Health education motivates students to improve and maintain their health by ensuring the delivery of age-appropriate classroom instruction that addresses the physical, emotional, and social dimensions of health. Schools have the potential to help students develop the skills to be healthy and therefore achieve academically. A 1999 study found that health standards received the highest rating among subject areas when American adults were asked what school subjects are definitely necessary. Topics addressed in health education curricula typically include topics such as personal health, environmental health, mental health, sexuality, nutrition, and substance abuse. In 2000, The School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS) found that 62 percent of schools employed a health education coordinator. Students taking health education courses have increased their health knowledge and skills and decreased risky behaviors. Participation has also been associated with higher reading and math scores.
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