The Michigan Model for Health is grounded in research proven practices that support student wellness and prevention outcomes. Lessons focus on building skills and reinforcing healthy behaviors rather than memorization of facts.

Through curriculum students learn to:

• Make informed and healthy decisions
• Practice communication and refusal skills
• Build habits that support lifelong wellness
• Strengthen skills that promote positive health behaviors

The curriculum addresses behaviors that support physical health, mental wellness, and personal safety during childhood and adolescence.

Instruction aligns with national and state health education standards and supports district wellness goals. Learning is interactive and student centered, with opportunities for discussion, guided practice, and real life application.

Students actively practice essential health skills including:

• Accessing reliable health information
• Analyzing influences from peers, media, and environment
• Communicating effectively
• Managing emotions and setting goals
• Advocating for personal and community health

Schools implementing the Michigan Model for Health report improvements in:

• Stronger drug refusal skills (including opioid prevention)
• Less reported alcohol and tobacco use
• Better interpersonal communication skills
• Better self-management skills and less reported aggression
• Stronger social and emotional skills
• Improved pro-safety and physical activity and nutrition skills

The Michigan Model for Health addresses all major health education content areas using age appropriate instruction. Each content area integrates knowledge with skill practice to support real world application.

Health content areas include:

• Social and emotional health, including relationships, stress management, empathy, and coping skills
• Nutrition and physical activity with a focus on healthy daily habits
• Safety and injury prevention
• Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention including vaping
• Personal health and wellness
• HIV AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections taught at appropriate grade levels

The curriculum is designed to support educators with clear and consistent instructional materials. Professional learning and implementation support are also available to support effective instruction.

Teachers receive:

• Structured skills-based lesson plans
• Ready-to-use activities and instructional resources
• Built-in assessment and reflection opportunities
• Pacing guides and other implementation tools
• Online training and instructor-led training

The Michigan Model for Health is delivered through a web-based platform that allows easy access to curriculum, resources and implementation tools.  Flexible licensing options support district needs and long-term sustainability.

Districts and schools can select grade level or grade band access for:

• PreK
• Elementary school (K-2, 3-5)
• Middle school (6-8)
• High school (9-12)
• Bundle educator license (K-12)

The curriculum is organized in a clear progression from preschool through high school. Skills are introduced early, reinforced across grade levels, and strengthened over time to ensure continuity and growth. This structured approach helps students build confidence and mastery as they advance through each stage of learning.

Key benefits include:

• Skills build progressively from simple to more complex concepts
• Reinforcement across grade levels strengthens retention and application
• Students develop a clear understanding of health topics appropriate for their age
• Continuity supports long term growth in physical health, mental wellness, and decision making
• Teachers can easily align lessons with standards and classroom goals