The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a prototype health education curriculum as implemented by a specially trained health education specialist versus the effects of the same program as implemented by specially trained elementary teachers. The subjects for this study were black sixth-grade students in the lower socioeconomic level of society. Two groups of students were taught the prototype health education program by specially trained teachers using multi-media materials and a definitive teacher's manual. One group was taught by a health education specialist. A control group received regular health instruction by their teacher, who had not been exposed to the prototype health curriculum traininq. Students exposed to the prototype health education curriculum achieved significantly higher posttest mean scores than those receiving the regular health instruction. No significant difference was noted between those receiving the prototype curriculum from the specially trained classroom teacher and health education specialist. It appeared that through comprehensive inservice training, those elementary school teachers without a comprehensive health background can successfully implement a well-planned, comprehensive health education program. (JD)