North Clackamas School District selects new health curriculum materials for K-12 students

In a recent North Clackamas School District (NCSD) board meeting, educators and administrators gathered to discuss the adoption of new health curriculum materials aimed at enhancing student engagement and inclusivity. The meeting, held on May 8, 2025, showcased the district's commitment to providing high-quality, culturally relevant health education for all students, particularly those facing barriers to learning.

Instructional coaches Megan Sternberg and Amber Monday, along with Associate Director Rob Holloway, presented a comprehensive overview of the health adoption process. They emphasized the importance of selecting materials that are age-appropriate, medically accurate, and free from shame-based teaching methods. The team highlighted their focus on multilingual learners and students with special needs, ensuring that all students have access to effective health education.

The K-5 wellness program offers students 30 minutes of health instruction each week, while middle school students receive health education every other day for a semester. High school students are required to earn one health credit for graduation, typically completed in their ninth or tenth grade. The current curriculum, adopted seven years ago, includes materials from McGraw Hill, which educators feel are outdated and in need of replacement.

During the meeting, the team discussed the evaluation of various health curricula, including the Great Body Shop and Goodhart Wilcox's comprehensive health skills for middle school. Teachers expressed enthusiasm for these materials, noting their accessibility and relevance to students. The team also explored options for high school curricula, ultimately recommending the more affordable Goodhart Wilcox materials, which align with the middle school curriculum for better continuity.

The board members praised the thoroughness of the curriculum review process and the transparency in communication with parents. They acknowledged the need for ongoing professional development for teachers to effectively implement the new materials and integrate health education into other subjects, such as science and language arts.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed optimism about the future of health education in the district, recognizing the critical role it plays in fostering students' overall well-being. The discussions underscored a collective commitment to ensuring that health education is not just a standalone subject but an integral part of students' daily lives, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to make informed health choices.