This text provides a rationale for health instruction that can be practically applied by classroom teachers and those planning a comprehensive health curriculum. Chapter 1 considers points of view concerning health education and the school program and the influence of these viewpoints in shaping the instructional program. Chapter 2 concerns criteria useful in selecting the content of health instruction, with specific consideration given to individual and societal health needs. Chapter 3 focuses on the development of concepts as a means of structuring the expanding body of health knowledge, with emphasis placed on a strategy and criteria for developing health concepts. Chapter 4 deals with goals and objectives. Chapter 5 examines the development and utilization of learning opportunities designed to help learners attain stated objectives. Chapter 6 discusses the organization of health instruction from specific lessons to the total health curriculum. Chapter 7 reviews basic concepts of evaluation and contains specific illustrations of strengths and limitations of various types of test items and examples of test items as they are related to specific objectives. Chapter 8 considers the professional and personal competencies desired for health educators. References conclude each chapter. (Authors/PD)