Rapid Evaluation
Multisite Evaluation of Coordinated School Health

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Public Health Problem

Leading causes of death, disability, and social problems in the United States are often associated with health risk behaviors that can begin during childhood or adolescence. Schools, in partnership with community agencies, can address these risk behaviors, as well as other health issues such as mental health and asthma, through coordinated school health (CSH).

Initiative Description

Coordinated School Health (CSH) is a systematic approach to improving the health and well-being of all students so they can fully participate and be successful in school. The process involves bringing together school administrators, teachers, other staff, students, families, and community members to assess health needs; set priorities; and plan, implement, and evaluate all health-related activities.

Evaluation

To better articulate the CSH characteristics that are essential for students to be healthy and successful in the nation’s schools, CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) is partnering with three school districts for a multisite evaluation of district-level CSH. Districts include:

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Charlotte, North Carolina.
• Gibson County Special Schools, Dyer, Tennessee.
• Jackson Public Schools, Jackson, Michigan.

The evaluation is designed to identify characteristics of strong systematic approaches to CSH and enhance understanding of what makes these approaches successful.

The conceptual model for this evaluation was developed using multiple sources and strategies, including: considering findings and recommendations from an expert panel on CSH; synthesizing theories of system development and change; and synthesizing a number of CSH descriptive studies and evaluations.

Project Status

In April and May 2010, data collection took place in the three districts. Data were gathered from students, parents, school and district staff, and community partners through questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups.

Data are currently being analyzed to examine the proposed conceptual model. It is hoped that the model will allow the conceptualization and measurement of CSH processes as a system, and ultimately may provide school health professionals with a new perspective for understanding CSH.

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Page last reviewed: October 15, 2009
Page last modified: January 13, 2011
Content source: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Adolescent and School Health

Division of Adolescent and School Health
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Department of Health and Human Services