What is the focus of the National Health Education Standards?

The focus of the National Health Education Standards is to provide a framework for health education programs that promote health literacy. These standards aim to define what students should know and be able to do to enhance their health and well-being. By establishing a comprehensive guide for educators, the standards facilitate the development of effective health education curricula that empower students to make informed health decisions, understand health concepts, and develop skills necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This framework is essential in fostering health literacy, which is the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary goals of the National Health Education Standards. Ensuring physical education is required focuses on physical activity rather than health education specifically. Increasing funding for health initiatives addresses financial aspects but does not define educational content or literacy. Developing a national curriculum for health science is more about standardizing educational content rather than promoting literacy and does not encapsulate the broader goals of health education outlined by the standards.