Decision Skills Added to HS Health in Record Time

"DEF is like a breath of fresh air…This isn't your father's decision making class. This worked great. I’d use it 100 times again. It was awesome."

Joe didn't have training or much prep time for his decision making module, but DEF's content and activities are well supported by videos and detailed instructions, so he just ran the activities and provided relevant context for his students.

Joe Robusto is a health class teacher at New Fairfield High School, CT.

Joe was looking for decision making materials to integrate into his class, because his state standards required teaching decision making and it's not in his textbook.

Joe found DEF's website, felt good about the model and materials, and after contacting DEF and explaining his requirements, DEF tailored a unit specifically for his 12th grade students.

Joe was impressed by the support he received, and the course was a hit with the students from the beginning.

​Joe talks about this in this video interview:

"After the first unit (Himalayan video) the students were saying, "Wow, that was really interesting." He goes on to say, "The thing is…  they weren't talking to me…  they were talking to each other. That's when I knew we had them [engaged]."

While the unit was tailored to Joe's needs, the pieces are all present on the DEF website. Joe did not have any specific training, just motivation to give it a try. Joe didn't have much prep time, but the content and activities are well supported by videos and detailed instructions, so he just ran the activities and responded to his students.

​One of the most powerful things Joe commented on was the way the activities were differentiated and worked with all his students:

“We have everyone from the very bright AP kids to the special needs kids in the class. All of them were engaged, challenged, and learning."

​It is inspiring to hear Joe explain his experience in his own words, "breath of fresh air - I'd do it a hundred times".

Learn about our Healthy Lifestyle Choices program that can be included in any Health class.