This document examines the need for health education and presents suggestions for implementing and/or improving health education programs. Chapter 1 states that the school has an obligation to emphasize positive health practices in cases where the home has been deficient in encouraging the child to practice sound health habits. This chapter also describes assessment instruments for grades 8-11 which concentrate on the individual's willingness to consistently exhibit positive health habits. Chapter 2 first examines the fact that although there is an abundance of health textbooks and materials, students still do not practice good health habits. Research concerning the formation of health habits through school programs is then presented and discussed. The first part of chapter 3 presents suggestions for improving health education curriculum. Inservice teacher education and student surveys to determine what is deemed relevant by students are discussed as major tasks in upgrading the health education curriculum. Suggested methods of gathering information from students as to what they consider important to learn are presented, along with a sample student questionnaire. The second part of chapter 3 describes on-going programs in drug abuse education. A scope and sequence chart to aid teachers in establishing the starting point and periods of greatest concentration in specific areas of instruction, and suggested pupil-teacher activities are appended. (PB)