A study designed to assess health education in public schools in California, Nevada, and Utah is reported. Results are compared to those of the School Health Education Study (SHES) which was conducted twenty years ago. Information is provided on the needs, goals, programs, participants, and materials of school health education in large, small, and medium sized school districts. Data was gathered through interviews with key state personnel and questionnaires sent to school district personnel. While many concerns mentioned in both this study and the SHES overlap, changes have occurred in health education in the past 20 years. The introduction of education concerning abused substances at a much earlier age has recently been considered crucial. A trend is seen towards teaching health education as a separate subject beginning in the fourth grade. More required and elective health education courses are now offered in secondary schools. Findings suggest that while inservice opportunities for health educators are limited because of lack of funds, there is a more extensive use of existing health resources in the community. Greater cooperation between schools and the local community medical establishment is recommended. It is pointed out that improved local, state, and national level communication networks are needed. (JD)