---
title: What is an evidence-informed program?
description: An evidence-informed program is one that has not been evaluated in a rigorous research study, but does incorporate all of the key features found in effective evidence-based programs.
---

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# What is an evidence-informed program?

## An evidence-informed program is one that has not been evaluated in a rigorous research study, but does incorporate all of the key features found in effective evidence-based programs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified 15 characteristics of effective health education curricula. These characteristics are found in state-of-the-art health education programs that reflect the growing body of research into what makes a program effective in changing risk behaviors. These programs emphasize:

- Teaching functional health information (essential knowledge).
- Shaping personal values and beliefs that support healthy behaviors.
- Shaping group norms that value a healthy lifestyle.
- Developing the essential health skills necessary to adopt, practice, and maintain health-enhancing behaviors.

For example, ETR's *HealthSmart* comprehensive health education curriculum for Grades K through 12 is an evidence-informed program that incorporates all of the characteristics identified by the CDC. 

[**A complete description of the characteristics**](https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/sher/characteristics/index.htm) can be found at [https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/sher/characteristics/index.htm](https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/sher/characteristics/index.htm).

An explanation of how these characteristics inform *HealthSmart* can be found [**here**](https://www.etr.org/healthsmart/standards/characteristics-of-effective-curricula/).

 

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