TTHS | School Health Index: A Self-Assessmnet Planning Guide

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Training Tools for Healthy Schools e-Learning Series

1: Introduction
2: About the School Health Index
3: School Health Index Modules
4: Using the School Health Index
5: Conclusion
- Next Steps

CHAPTERS

Introduction

Course Objectives

What is the School Health Index?

About the School Health Index

Why Use the School Health Index?

School Health Index Format

Getting Started with the School Health Index

Knowledge Check

School Health Index Modules

Introduction to the Modules

Module 1: School Health and Safety Policies and Environment

Module 2: Health Education

Module 3: Physical Education and Other Physical Activity Programs

Module 4: Nutrition Environment and Services

Module 5: School Health Services

Module 6: School Counseling, Psychological, and Social Services

Module 7: Social and Emotional Climate

Module 8: Physical Environment

Module 9: Employee Wellness and Health Promotion

Module 10: Family Engagement

Module 11: Community Involvement

Using the School Health Index

Implementing the School Health Index

Step 1: Assemble the School Health Index Team

Step 2: Conduct School Health Index Introduction Meeting

Step 3: Complete Self-Assessment Process

Self-Assessment Activity

Step 4: Conduct School Health Index Planning Meeting

Planning for Improvement Activity

Conclusion

Planning for Improvement Activity

Scenario

Each of the groups responsible for a School Health Index module has completed their assessment. Now the entire School Health Index team is ready to discuss the findings and start the Planning for Improvement process. Your group completed Module 4 – Nutrition Environment and Services and reports the overall module score was 36%. The scores calculated by each group are recorded in the overall score card in this example. Read the knowledge check statements and select the most appropriate responses.

Overall Score Card

The completed Overall Score Card shows ratings for all modules. School Health and Safety Policies and Environment-Module 1 rating is 7%, which falls in the Low 0-20% range. Health Education-Module 2 rating is 40%, which falls in the 21%-40% range. Physical Education and Physical Activity Programs-Module 3 rating is 55%, which falls in the Medium 41%-60% range. Nutrition and Environment Services-Module 4 rating is 36%, which falls in the 21%-40% range. School Health Services Module 5 rating is 42%, which falls in the Medium 41%-60% range. School Counseling, Psychological, and Social Services-Module 6 rating is 39%, which falls in the 21%-40% range. Social and Emotional Climate-Module 7 rating is 21%, which falls in the 21%-40% range. Physical Environment-Module 8 rating is 66%, which falls in the 61%-80% range. Employee Wellness and Health Promotion-Module 9 rating is 82%, which falls in the High 81%-100% range. Family Engagement-Module 10 rating is 50%, which falls in the Medium 41%-60% range. Community Involvement-Module 11 rating is 46%, which falls in the Medium 41%-60% range.

Planning for Improvement

Which module should the School Health Team focus on first?

Correct! Many weaknesses were likely identified during the self-assessment due to the low score of this module.

Try again! The module score indicates Jefferson Middle School already has made some progress in its Physical Education and Other Physical Activity Programs.

Try again! The module score indicates Jefferson Middle School already has made some progress in its Health Promotion for Staff.

Try again! The module score indicates Jefferson Middle School already has many strengths in its Family and Community Involvement program.

Module 1 – School Health Policies and Environment

Module 3 – Physical Education and Other Physical Activity Programs

Module 7 – Health Promotion for Staff

Module 8 – Family and Community Involvement

School Health Improvement Plan

Given that the School Health Team wants to focus on Jefferson Middle School's health policies and environment first (Module 1), what actions can the school commit to implementing in the short term that are not too expensive, labor-intensive, or complex to address?

Correct! This action addresses a policy improvement.

Try again! Procedures describe how a policy will be implemented.

Try again! This action relates to active supervision.

Try again! This action addresses health promotion for staff.

Review the current policy on nutrition standards for competitive foods to ensure it meets USDA's Smart Snacks in School standards.

Set up communication procedures to involve families and the community in school-sponsored activities.

Respond effectively to unsafe situations on the school campus.

Partner with a local gym to offer discounted gym membership rates to employees.

Select the correct tasks that need to be taken to implement the selected action.

Try again! While this is an appropriate task, other steps should also be taken to implement this action.

Try again! While this is an appropriate task, other steps should also be taken to implement this action.

Try again! While this is an appropriate task, other steps should also be taken to implement this action.

Correct! All are logical tasks that should be taken to implement the action of establishing a new policy to set nutrition standards for competitive foods.

Contact other schools and experts to identify model policies and then develop a draft policy.

Conduct taste tests for healthy alternatives that students like.

Get feedback from teachers, parents, students, administrators, and community members.

All of the above.

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GO FURTHER

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As you view the videos, this “Active Child” icon Active Child icon will appear periodically in the corner of the video to let you know that more information is available in this Go Further section. You can access the information by clicking on questions or resource titles.

How can I download all of the Go Further information provided in this course?

All questions and links that appear in the Go Further section throughout this course can also be found in the “Download Course” document provided under Go Further. A complete set of Go Further questions and answers and a complete Resource List are located at the end of the document.