The following definition of health literacy was the foundation for SHAPE America's guidance document: Appropriate Practices in School-Based Health Education.

Health literacy: The capacity of an individual to obtain, interpret and understand basic health information and services and the competence to use such information and services in ways that enhance health

The goal of health education is to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead healthy lifestyles. A skills-based approach is a best practice for delivering high quality health education.

Health literacy is an important measure of the effectiveness of health education and is critical to ensuring that students have the ability to be healthy throughout their lives.

Health literacy helps people address their own health needs along with the needs of others. They are able to learn and use knowledge and skills to improve their own health and the health of others. This is helpful now and in the future as their health needs change throughout their lives. A health literate person is:

• A critical thinker and problem solver
• A responsible and productive citizen
• A self-directed learner
• An effective communicator