Core Components
A Foundation for Lifelong Health and Wellness
The Michigan Model for Health is a comprehensive, evidence-based health education curriculum designed for PreK through grade 12. It supports schools and districts in delivering high quality health and prevention education that builds physical and mental wellness and promotes positive health behaviors.
5 Core Components
Evidence-based Prevention & Wellness Focus
The Michigan Model for HealthTM 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. Schools implementing MMH 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 curriculum addresses behaviors that support physical health, mental wellness, and personal safety during childhood and adolescence.
Skills-based and Standards-Aligned Instruction
Instruction aligns with health education standards and supports district wellness goals. The curriculum uses a skills-based approach that explains concepts, models behaviors, provides guided practice, and reviews learning to engage students in interactive, student-centered lessons. This approach helps students develop essential health skills at developmentally appropriate levels across grade bands. Through discussion, hands-on practice, and real-life application, students build lifelong positive health behaviors by mastering:
- Access reliable health information to make informed choices
- Analyze influences from peers, media, and the environment
- Practice communication and refusal skills to handle challenging situations
- Set goals and plan steps to achieve healthy behaviors
- Make responsible decisions by evaluating options and considering consequences
- Develop effective self management strategies to promote overall well-being and self-care
- Advocate for positive health practices in school, home, and community settings
Comprehensive Health Content Areas
The Michigan Model for HealthTM 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, including healthy eating and active lifestyles
- Personal safety and injury prevention, including violence and bullying prevention
- Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs prevention, including vaping and opioid misuse
- Personal health and wellness, including hygiene and self-care
- HIV and other sexually transmitted infections prevention taught at appropriate grade levels
Flexible Implementation with Teacher-Ready Instructional Support
The curriculum is designed to make implementation simple and accessible for educators while providing clear, consistent instructional support. Delivered through a web-based platform, it offers easy access to materials, resources, and tools, along with flexible licensing options that support district needs and long-term sustainability. Teachers receive:
- Structured, skills-based lesson plans
- Ready-to-use activities and instructional resources
- Built-in assessments and reflection opportunities
- Pacing guides and implementation tool
- Online and instructor-led training
Developmentally Sequenced PreK to 12 Curriculum
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
