How the HEAP Supports the 2010 National Action Plan to Improve
Health Literacy
Health literacy is the capacity of individuals to obtain, interpret, and understand basic health information and services, and the competence to use such information and services in ways which enhance health.
– Joint Committee on the National Health Standards (1995)
The National Health Education Assessment Project has been working with states since 1993 to improve student health literacy through improved health instruction. Based on our mission we understand our important role in ensuring that all children graduate with health literacy skills that will help them make healthier choices throughout their lifespan and thus improve the health of our nation.
The HEAP has the human and technological resources to efficiently and cost-effectively develop a National Health Literacy Skills test to support research and also document progress in improving health literacy across the nation. We have developed a concept paper that outlines the steps in developing such a test and currently seeking funding to make this test a reality. Funding Proposal Here.
In 2010, the National Plan to Improve Health Literacy was published. The purpose of the plan is to engage organizations, professionals, policy makers, communities, individuals, and families into a linked, multi-sector effort to improve health literacy.
The HEAP is well-positioned to address 4 of the goals outlined in the national action plan.
- Goal 1: Develop and disseminate health and safety information that is accurate, accessible, and actionable.
HEAP has developed a wide variety of hard-copy and online resources that help educators implement instructional activities leading to improve health literacy. We have established an efficient and cost-effective information distribution network for our members and teachers in their state (listservs, professional development offerings using web-based technology, and regular face-to-face meetings). In addition, we have developed an online resource library that is searchable by a variety of classifications (key words, document type, etc.) Resources can be added with ease.
- Goal 3: Incorporate accurate, standards-based and developmentally appropriate health and science information and curricula in child care and education thru the university Level.
All resources developed by the HEAP are based on the National Health Education Standards and are available to educators in pre-K-16 settings. - The HEAP’s Assessment Tools for School Health Education is currently being use in method classes to teach pre-service teachers about health education, standards, assessment, and curriculum development.
- The HEAP’s Health & Reading Initiative provides book templates for teachers on health information and skills to support both reading and health literacy. These web-based templates provide teachers with book summaries, discussion questions for health topics and skills, assessments, vocabulary and teacher resources.
- Goal 6: Increase basic research and the development, implementation, and evaluation of practices and interventions to improve health literacy
The HEAP has the expertise and the human and technological resources to efficiently and cost-effectively develop a National Health Literacy Skills Test to support research and document progress in improving health literacy across the nation. We have developed a concept paper that outlines the steps in developing such a test and currently seeking funding to make this test a reality. Funding Proposal Here.
HEAP has a growing online assessment bank of over 2000 items that researchers could easily use to develop test instruments, field test the instrument, and deliver the final test instrument online. Data for analysis is available in real-time. With HEAP’s reach into states and classrooms, the ability to field-test items online can be achieved more quickly and at lower cost than traditional approaches. Teachers are using the assessment bank to develop tests that document improvements in teaching and learning. Some member states are using the item bank to develop end-of-course exams.
- Goal 7: Increase dissemination and use of evidence-based health literacy practices
The HEAP distribution network can easily disseminate evidence-based health literacy practices and professionally develop educators in their use. The development of the HEAP’s Health and Reading Initiative has as its foundation evidence-based practices.
Please contact Nancy Hudson, HEAP Coordinator, CCSSO, for more
information!
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