Indicator: 33 - Coordinated School Health Programs

Why This Is Important

Children cannot achieve their full potential when they are hungry, fearful, abusing alcohol and other drugs, or discouraged. Healthy school environments create an atmosphere for learning. By addressing the physical, mental, social and emotional needs of young people, they can be given the opportunity to reach their true potential as learners. A Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) consists of eight components for children and families:

• Comprehensive School Health Education - a kindergarten through high school health education curriculum that is sequential, developmentally appropriate and includes instruction and assessment.
• Physical Education and Physical Activity - physical education classes and physical activity opportunities that promote physical fitness and life long physical activity.
• School Counseling, Physical and Behavioral Health Services - physical health and behavioral health services including school-based health care, school nurses, school counseling, and substance abuse services that meet the needs of all students.
• Nutrition Services - balanced, nutritious food and snacks available at school and school events.
• School Climate - a school atmosphere supported by programs and policies that nurtures positive behaviors, assures safety and provides a feeling of belonging and respect for all students.
• Physical Environment - physical structure, school grounds, and transportation that is safe and aesthetic.
• Health Promotion/Wellness - worksite health promotion programs that encourage and support staff in pursuing healthful behaviors and lifestyles.
• Parent/Community/Youth Involvement - encouraging the participation of parents and youth in policy development and school involvement. This component also includes the integration and involvement of community providers and community members with schools. The Coordinated School Health Program model is supported by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and by the Maine Departments of Education and Human Services. In 2000, all public middle and high school principals in the state completed a survey to provide baseline data on the extent to which their school health programs included the eight components listed above. The results (contained in the December 2000 report “Coordinating School Health Programs in Maine”) included:
• Frequent, significant discrepancies existed between program elements that principals valued highly and what they reported being in place in their schools. For only one of the eight components (Nutrition and Food Services) was there a close relationship between the two.
• The surveys demonstrated that principals wanted and needed model policies and administrative procedures to help personnel establish a CSHP.
• There was also statewide need for further education and training, specifically regarding the nature and value of coordinating school health programs.
• Several schools had a strong commitment to the CSHP model and were possible “demonstration sites” for sharing lessons learned and providing assistance to other emerging programs.
• Over half (57%) of the principals reported that they lacked sufficient resources (for example, funds, staff or space) to fully implement and support a coordinated school health program.

With ongoing support from the Departments of Education and Human Services, work to strengthen coordinated school health programs continues across the state. As of March 2003, 54 school districts had program coordinators, for instance. The website for the CSHP initiative (http://www.mainecshp.com) features guidelines/best practices for each of the eight components and additional information on CSHP-related topics.