WHAT IS COORDINATED SCHOOL HEALTH?
It is an "integrated set of planned, sequential, school-affiliated strategies, activities ans services designed to promote the optimal physical, emotional, social and educational development of students. The program involves and is supportive of families and is determined by the community. It is based on local needs, resources, standards and values. it is coordinated by a multidisciplinary team (CSH Leadership Team) that is accountable to the community for program quality and effectiveness. By addressing health-related issues, schools not only foster students academic achievements, but also help to establish healthy behaviors that last a lifetime.
LAW/ REQUIREMENTS
EVERY independent school district is REQUIRED by law to implement a CSH program in grades K-8. The entire law can be found in the Texas Education Code, Title 2, Chapter 38, 38.013, and is available at http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/ed.toc.htm.
The TEA makes available to districts a list of CSH programs that meet specific criteria recommended by a panel of experts and approved by the Commissioner of Education. A list of Approved curricula is available at : www.tea.state.tx.us/curriculum/hpe/approvedcshp.html.
WEBSITES OF INTEREST
EPISD Coordinated School Health Initiatives Website: http://www.episd.org/_departments/coordschhealth/
SCHOOL HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE: http://www.episd.org/_programs/shac/
ACTION FOR HEALTHY KIDS: www.actionforhealthykids.org
ALLIANCE FOR A HEALTHIER GENERATION: www.healthiergeneration.org
SPARK: www.sparkpe.org
LET'S MOVE: www.letsmove.gov
CHOOSE MY PLATE: www.choosemyplate.gov
CDC'S HEALTHY YOUTH: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/cshp/
ACTIVE LIFE: www.activelifehq.org
EPA Sunwise: www.epa.gov/sunwise
KNOW THE FACTS
National Data - http://wonder.cdc.gov/
State Data - http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/chs/
Regional Data - http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/regional/default.shtm
Local Data -
Data can be utilized to create a baseline that will assist with the assessment process, the development of program goals and evaluation of outcomes.
Risk Factors are established and can be controlled early in life. Healthy behaviors are established in children when PARENTS and community stakeholders assume a primary role. Schools can become a major partner to reinforce knowledge and skills children need.
Examples of these skills are:
* Refusal Skills
* Decision Making
* Goal - Setting
* Communication
* Healthy Relationship - Building
* Interest in Alternative health - promoting activities/events
All students are at risk for unhealthy behaviors. Education, promotion and practice, plus reinforcement at home and within the community can help control and prevent the following:
* Tobacco use
* Poor food choices and inappropriate portion size
* Inadequate physical activity
* Alcohol and drug use
* Sexual behavior that can transmit HIV and other STD/STI's
* Unintended pregnancy
* Intentional and unintentional injuries
It is an "integrated set of planned, sequential, school-affiliated strategies, activities ans services designed to promote the optimal physical, emotional, social and educational development of students. The program involves and is supportive of families and is determined by the community. It is based on local needs, resources, standards and values. it is coordinated by a multidisciplinary team (CSH Leadership Team) that is accountable to the community for program quality and effectiveness. By addressing health-related issues, schools not only foster students academic achievements, but also help to establish healthy behaviors that last a lifetime.
LAW/ REQUIREMENTS
EVERY independent school district is REQUIRED by law to implement a CSH program in grades K-8. The entire law can be found in the Texas Education Code, Title 2, Chapter 38, 38.013, and is available at http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/ed.toc.htm.
The TEA makes available to districts a list of CSH programs that meet specific criteria recommended by a panel of experts and approved by the Commissioner of Education. A list of Approved curricula is available at : www.tea.state.tx.us/curriculum/hpe/approvedcshp.html.
WEBSITES OF INTEREST
EPISD Coordinated School Health Initiatives Website: http://www.episd.org/_departments/coordschhealth/
SCHOOL HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE: http://www.episd.org/_programs/shac/
ACTION FOR HEALTHY KIDS: www.actionforhealthykids.org
ALLIANCE FOR A HEALTHIER GENERATION: www.healthiergeneration.org
SPARK: www.sparkpe.org
LET'S MOVE: www.letsmove.gov
CHOOSE MY PLATE: www.choosemyplate.gov
CDC'S HEALTHY YOUTH: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/cshp/
ACTIVE LIFE: www.activelifehq.org
EPA Sunwise: www.epa.gov/sunwise
KNOW THE FACTS
National Data - http://wonder.cdc.gov/
State Data - http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/chs/
Regional Data - http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/regional/default.shtm
Local Data -
Data can be utilized to create a baseline that will assist with the assessment process, the development of program goals and evaluation of outcomes.
Risk Factors are established and can be controlled early in life. Healthy behaviors are established in children when PARENTS and community stakeholders assume a primary role. Schools can become a major partner to reinforce knowledge and skills children need.
Examples of these skills are:
* Refusal Skills
* Decision Making
* Goal - Setting
* Communication
* Healthy Relationship - Building
* Interest in Alternative health - promoting activities/events
All students are at risk for unhealthy behaviors. Education, promotion and practice, plus reinforcement at home and within the community can help control and prevent the following:
* Tobacco use
* Poor food choices and inappropriate portion size
* Inadequate physical activity
* Alcohol and drug use
* Sexual behavior that can transmit HIV and other STD/STI's
* Unintended pregnancy
* Intentional and unintentional injuries