Components of the WSCC Model

Every child in every school deserves to be healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. That is the focus of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model. CDC and ASCD developed this model in collaboration with key leaders from the fields of health, public health, education, and school health. The WSCC model strengthens a unified and collaborative approach designed to improve learning and health in our nation’s schools. You can see how the model informs HIV, STD, and pregnancy prevention by viewing an animated video.

Getting Started with the WSCC Model

ASCD offers a web page with information on how to start implementing the WSCC model and a 15-minute School Improvement Tool needs assessment survey to help guide your activities.

Definition of Model
Five Youth Tenets

Youth are at the center of the WSCC model. This ensures that the model’s focus is on keeping youth healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged—outcomes that schools, teachers, health professionals, families, and communities value.

Coordination Ring

Surrounding the child is a ring that stresses the need for coordination of school policies, processes, and practices. The coordination ring depicts the critical role of day-to-day practices and processes as well as the essential role of policy in sustaining a school environment supportive of both health and learning.

DASH-coord-ring

School Components

Community

Although the school may be a hub, it remains a reflection of its community and requires community input, resources, and collaboration to support its students. The WSCC model reflects greater alignment and integration between health and education. Partnerships and collaboration with community agencies are essential to helping schools secure the resources and support necessary to implement the model.
DASH-community
Resources
  1. Hunt, H. (ed.). The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Model. [Special issue]. J Sch Health. 2015 Nov;85(11):729–823.
  2. Council of Chief State School Officers. Policy Statement on School Health. 2004.
  3. National School Boards Association. Beliefs and Policies of the National School Boards Association. 2017 [cited 2018 Feb 20]. https://cdn-files.nsba.org/s3fs-public/2017_Beliefs_&_Policies_Adopted_by_DA-3-24-17.pdf
  4. American Association of School Administrators. AASA position statements. Position statement 3: Getting children ready for success in school, July 2006; Position statement 18: Providing safe and nurturing environment for children. July 2007 [2018 Feb 20]. http://www.aasa.org/uploadedFiles/About/_files/AASAPositionStatements072408.pdf
  5. ASCD. Making the Case for Educating the Whole Child. 2012 [2018 Feb 20]. http://www.wholechildeducation.org/assets/content/mx-resources/WholeChild-MakingTheCase.pdf
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. School Health Index: A Self-Assessment and Planning Guide. Middle School/High School. 2017 [2018 Feb 20]. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/shi/pdf/Middle-High-Total-2017.pdf [PDF – 1.9MB]
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. School Health Index: A Self-Assessment and Planning Guide. Elementary School. 2017 [2018 Feb 20]. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/shi/pdf/Elementary-Total-2017.pdf [PDF – 2.7MB]