Values Compass Teacher Guide Instructional Resource
Values Compass
Health Literacy & Decision-Making Lesson Plan
Grade Level: 8-12
Duration: 60-90 Mins
Focus: Health Literacy
Instructional Intent
This lesson equips students with a practical framework for decision-making by aligning physical, mental, and social health choices with core personal values. Students analyze real-world scenarios across three core health contexts (Stress/Mental Fitness, Nutrition/Active Living, Interpersonal Relationships) and build concrete health action plans.
Student Objectives
• Identify & prioritize personal core values related to health, wellness, and self-care.
• Apply the 5-step "COMPASS" decision-making model to complex adolescent health dilemmas.
• Synthesize a personalized Health Action Plan targeting a growth area in their personal wellness.
NHES Alignment
• Standard 5: Students will demonstrate the ability to use decision-making skills to enhance health.
• Standard 6: Students will demonstrate the ability to use goal-setting skills to enhance health.
Included Lesson Materials
1. Slide Deck Interactive presentation guiding key concepts & models.
2. Student Worksheets Values Inventory, COMPASS template, and Action Planner.
3. Station Cards Printable situational scenarios for active group analysis.
The COMPASS Decision-Making Model
C Clarify Define the core health issue.
O Outline List possible paths of action.
M Measure Evaluate values-alignment.
P Predict Weigh consequences & options.
S S Select / Study Choose best path & reflect.
Values Compass Lesson Bundle • Teacher Guide Page 1 of 2
Step-by-Step Facilitation Guide
Classroom progression, discussion prompts, and activity management
Active Learning Flow
10
Warm-up: The Personal Values Beacon 0:00 - 0:10
Distribute the Student Worksheets . Guide students through the Values Inventory . Students prioritize their top 3 personal values from list. Warm-up discussion prompt: "How does a core value act like a compass when making a high-stress decision?"
15
Direct Instruction: Introducing COMPASS 0:10 - 0:25
Utilize the Slide Presentation to introduce the 5-step COMPASS model. Walk through a practice scenario (e.g., balancing academic load vs. athletic training) together as a class. Highlight how a person prioritizing "achievement" vs. someone prioritizing "balance" might choose different, yet valid paths.
25
Active Lab: Scenario Stations 0:25 - 0:50
Place the Station Cards at three separate desks around the room: (1) Stress & Mental Fitness, (2) Nutrition & Active Living, (3) Interpersonal Relationships. Divide students into groups. Each group rotates through the stations, analyzes the cards, and documents their values-aligned decisions on page 2 of the worksheet.
20
Personalization: Health Action Plan 0:50 - 1:10
Students work individually on Page 3 of the worksheet to build their own Health Action Plan . They select a current wellness challenge, define their relevant values, and lay out actionable steps with measurable accountability checks.
10
Debrief & Independent Project Launch 1:10 - 1:20
Reconvene for a quick reflection. Highlight that making values-aligned decisions requires active reflection. Hand out the Health Dilemma Project Guide . Introduce the independent rubricked project as an out-of-class synthesis task.
Pedagogical Tips & Misconception Management
Misconception: Only one "right" choice
Emphasize that two individuals with different core values can evaluate the same dilemma and validly arrive at different options. The goal is internal consistency and alignment with healthy principles, not standardizing decisions.
Scaffolding for Differentiation
For students struggling with critical writing, encourage them to sketch out simple options on the worksheet or complete the Station Cards verbally in pairs before documenting their answers.
Values Compass Lesson Bundle • Teacher Guide Page 2 of 2
Values Compass Slides DECISION LAB
Health Literacy 101
Values Compass
How your personal core beliefs guide health decisions, manage stress, and build stronger relationships.
Let's get started. Slide 1 of 5
01 // Warm-up Core Principles
What is a Values Compass?
Values are the core principles that define what is most important to you (e.g., balance, health, growth, loyalty, honesty).
When high-stakes health decisions arise, our values act as a compass to guide our path.
Class Reflection
"Think of a decision you made recently. What core belief or value was driving your final choice?"
Turn and talk with your shoulder partner for 2 minutes.
Values Compass • Student Presentation Slide 2 of 5
02 // The Framework COMPASS Decision Model
The COMPASS Decision Model
C
Clarify
State the health issue or dilemma clearly.
O
Outline
List potential paths and options.
M
Measure
Connect paths to your core values.
P
Predict
Evaluate outcomes & consequences.
S•S
Select / Study
Make decision and evaluate results.
Values Compass • Student Presentation Slide 3 of 5
03 // Collaboration Scenario Stations
Classroom Stations
You will rotate through three unique health stations to practice applying the COMPASS decision model.
At each station, read the card, identify the primary health values involved, and formulate a complete COMPASS solution.
1
Stress & Mental Fitness
Managing academic anxiety, burnout, and emotional regulation.
2
Nutrition & Active Living
Navigating daily habits, fitness balance, and healthy eating.
3
Interpersonal Relationships
Setting solid personal boundaries and conflict resolution.
Values Compass • Student Presentation Slide 4 of 5
04 // Next Steps Action & Assessment
Personal Action Plan & Final Project
Step 1: Personal Action Plan
Step 2: Independent Dilemma Project
Values Compass Worksheets Values Compass Workbook
Class Activity & Personal Wellness Planner
Name:
Date:
1 Part 1: The Personal Values Inventory
Below is a list of common personal core values that guide health, wellness, and self-care decisions. Review them and place a checkmark next to your top values, then select and prioritize your Top 3 below.
Physical Fitness
Mental Balance
Independence
Friendship/Loyalty
Academic Growth
Family Harmony
Honesty/Integrity
Self-Discipline
My #1 Value
My #2 Value
My #3 Value
Why is your #1 Value critical to your mental or physical health?
2 Part 2: The COMPASS Framework Reference
Refer to this model during your active station lab and when completing your health actions.
C
Clarify: Identify and state the core dilemma clearly. What is the fundamental issue?
O
Outline: Brainstorm possible actions or choices. List at least two different paths.
M
Measure: Assess alignment of potential options with your personal core values.
P
Predict: Evaluate consequences, risks, and health benefits of each choice.
S•S
Select & Study: Make your selection, outline the action plan, and reflect on the outcome.
Values Compass • Workbook Page 1 of 3
Part 3: Active Lab Scenario Stations
Collaborative analysis of real-world adolescent dilemmas
Lab Station Records
Rotate through the designated classroom stations. Analyze the card, discuss with your group, and document your resolution for two of the stations below. Use the COMPASS model steps.
1 Station Selection A: ___________________________
Select either mental, active living, or relationship station
C - Clarify: What is the primary dilemma?
M - Measure: Which values are directly tested?
S - Select: What is the optimal values-aligned action?
2 Station Selection B: ___________________________
Select a second station format different from above
C - Clarify: What is the primary dilemma?
M - Measure: Which values are directly tested?
S - Select: What is the optimal values-aligned action?
Values Compass • Workbook Page 2 of 3
Scenario Stations Task Cards Scenario Stations Task Cards
Health Literacy & Decision-Making Active Lab
Printable Station Set
Instructions for Teachers: Print this page on heavy cardstock. Cut along the dashed lines to separate the 6 scenario cards. Place them at designated stations around the room.
Mental Fitness
Card 1: Midnight Oil
Maya has a major chemistry exam tomorrow and hasn't studied. She's exhausted. Her friend offers her an prescription stimulant pill, claiming "it helps you pull an all-nighter and focus instantly."
Values to Weigh: Health vs. Instant Academic Success
Mental Fitness
Card 2: Digital Tether
Leo's group chat is highly active until 2:00 AM every night. He is experiencing heavy chronic fatigue, falling grades, and anxiety, but fears missing out (FOMO) and becoming socially isolated if he disconnects.
Values to Weigh: Social Belonging vs. Mental Well-being
Nutrition & Active
Card 3: Fuel or Fast
Toby wants to build muscle fast for wrestling season. A peer at his gym recommends an aggressive "cutting" diet that restricts healthy carbohydrates and relies on expensive, unregulated supplements.
Values to Weigh: Rapid Performance vs. Safe Nutrition
Nutrition & Active
Card 4: Injury Cover-up
Chloe feels a deep sharp pain in her knee during track practice. Her coach suggests resting, but Chloe worries that telling her parents and seeking a physician will get her benched for the championship race.
Values to Weigh: Team Dedication vs. Physical Safety
Relationships
Card 5: Boundary Test
Liam's close friends are planning to sneak out after curfew to attend an unsupervised party. Liam feels highly uncomfortable and anxious about safety, but his friends are calling him "boring" and "a baby."
Values to Weigh: Personal Integrity vs. Peer Conformity
Relationships
Card 6: Toxic Echo
An anonymous social media page is spreading highly hurtful rumors about Sofia's teammate. Sofia's friends want her to join in and "like" the post. Sofia knows this hurts her teammate deeply.
Values to Weigh: Loyalty to Friends vs. Empathy & Honor
Values Compass • Active Lab Cards Print Panel Set
Health Dilemma Project Guide Independent Project
Health Dilemma Project
Resolving Real-World Wellness Dilemmas
Name:
Due:
Project Objective
In this independent assessment, you will step into the shoes of a health counselor. You will choose one complex health dilemma, research the scientific and medical background facts, and apply the COMPASS Decision-Making Model to generate a robust, values-aligned strategy.
Core Deliverables
✔ Dilemma Dossier: Write a 200-word detailed description of your chosen dilemma (Stress, Nutrition, or Relationships).
✔ COMPASS Matrix: A written analysis documenting every stage of the COMPASS model.
✔ Research Citation: Cite at least 1 reliable health resource (e.g., CDC, Mayo Clinic) that supports your health claims.
✔ Reflection: Explain how your personal values influenced your recommended choice.
My Initial Planning Roadmap
My Chosen Topic & Dilemma Focus:
Relevant Core Value A:
Relevant Core Value B:
Initial Sources I Plan to Consult:
Values Compass • Project Guide Page 1 of 2
Project Evaluation Rubric
Performance indicators and evaluation benchmarks
Grading Matrix
Criteria Proficient (4) Developing (3) Emerging (2) Clarification & Research Clear definition of dilemma with robust scientific health facts and 1+ reliable citations. Dilemma is outlined, but lacks depth in scientific context or source is not credible. Dilemma is vague. Health claims are unsupported by credible research. Values Alignment Provides clear evidence connecting decision choices directly to specified core health values. Identifies values but relationship between choices and values is weak or brief. Fails to connect values to the decision paths. Justification is missing. COMPASS Application All 5 COMPASS model steps are comprehensively modeled with logical development. Includes most COMPASS steps, but some stages (like Predict) lack critical analysis. Fails to utilize the COMPASS model steps to analyze the dilemma. Action Plan & Reflection Formulates highly actionable tactics with measurable progress trackers and reflective depth.
