Health Education

The vision for Health Education in the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System is to cultivate health-literate citizens who effectively access, appraise, and apply information to enhance personal and community well-being. The mission at CTECS is to deliver a planned, sequential curriculum that addresses the physical, mental, social, and emotional dimensions of health, preparing students to make informed, constructive choices throughout their lives. The program transitions from a traditional knowledge-based model to a skills-based framework, prioritizing essential life skills such as decision making, goal setting, and advocacy.

The four-year Health Education sequence, built on the Connecticut Healthy and Balanced Framework, is designed to reduce health risks and build protective factors against substance misuse, violence, and chronic disease. Starting in Grade 9, students focus on the foundations of personal wellness, communication, and consent in healthy relationships. As they progress through Grade 10, the curriculum deepens into holistic nutrition, mental health awareness, and reproductive health. In the upper grades, students gain critical certifications in CPR and First Aid and analyze the complex legal and societal influences on health behaviors. Consistent with Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies, the curriculum fosters emotional intelligence and empathy, ensuring every student is equipped with the resilience and self-management skills necessary for success in college, career, and life.

For more information about our programs please view CTECS Program of Studies.