Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Health education is an essential part of a well-rounded PK-12 education for all students. It equips them with the skills and knowledge they need to take meaningful steps to support their health and well-being throughout their lifetime and understand how health relates to the world around them.
To strengthen this work, Wisconsin has released new K–12 Health Education Standards to support high-quality, skills-based health education for all students. The updated standards provide clear learning priorities and performance indicators across grade bands, helping schools design instruction that is developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and aligned with current student needs. With an emphasis on practical skill-building—such as communication, decision-making, self-management, and advocacy—these standards strengthen student well-being and empower learners to apply health knowledge in real-life situations. The new Wisconsin Health Education Standards also align with the National Health Education Standards and offer districts a strong framework for curriculum and instruction that promotes lifelong health and success.
By building these skills and habits of mind through health education in Wisconsin’s schools, we move closer to the DPI’s vision of engaging learners and creating a better Wisconsin together. For more information on the health standards, visit the DPI’s Health Education website.