A curriculum map and twenty standards-based units of study are now available for your use. Kentucky educators, including teachers, university specialists, and school health specialists from all grade levels and regions of the state have spent numerous hours developing these materials. Although we consider these to be outstanding examples in the area of cardiovascular health, you are encouraged to modify the units to best meet the needs of your students.
The curriculum map and units address three risk factors for cardiovascular disease: poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and the use of tobacco. A fourth unit combines all three risk factors and various content areas into an interdisciplinary sample. All of the state and national curriculum standards relating to the above-mentioned risk factors have been compiled into user-friendly documents. As a result, curricular connections are better able to be made while addressing the content. Ranging from pre-school through high school, the curriculum map may be used as a guide for concept organization and unit of study development. Each unit of study targets essential content from the Core Content for Assessment. Program of Studies, and Transformations: Kentucky's Curriculum Framework. Each unit also is linked to KDE's Student Performance Standards. This means when you include these units in your curriculum, you can be sure you are teaching to the standards necessary to bring all students to proficiency. The units contain rich engaging activities that encourage students to use higher order thinking skills and demonstrate learning in unique ways. All activities are organized under essential questions that promote the development of a broad understanding of cardiovascular issues.
If you have questions regarding their development or implementation, please contact any of the following:
Renee White
HIV Prevention Consultant
502-564-2706
rwhite@kde.state.ky.us