Success Story - La Center School Health Index
March 2005
Describe the related Annual Action Plan activity
Schools, School Health Index
Author & Community
Kristine Perry, Youth and Community Coordinator
Steps to a Healthier Clark County
Community Choices
Steps cost, or resources used
Completing Assessment: $2500
In-kind, or community contribution
TBD
Partners
Parents; Teachers, Administrators, Students, Food Service Staff
Disease and/or Risk factor
Obesity, Diabetes, Asthma
Date
3/31/05
Public Health Problem: describe the problem, such as rate of diabetes, asthma, etc. Program Example: describe how your program addressed this problem. Describe steps taken to achieve the activity.
La Center High School participated in the School Health Index.
The index is a self-assessment and planning guide developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) around the Coordinated School Health Model. The index enables schools to identify their strengths and weaknesses around health promotion policies and programs. This enables schools to develop an action plan for improving student health.
Implications and Impact of activity described: describe the impact on data, policies, etc.
After taking the assessment the team found that the highest scored areas were in Health Education and School Counseling. The lowest scored areas were in Health Promotion for Staff, Nutrition Services and Community Involvement. From these results the team decided its top priority was to form a Health and Wellness Committee. This committee would begin their work by addressing the lowered scored areas and recommending improvement plans to School administrators.
Describe the activity as an accomplishment or success, a promising practice, or a “lesson learned,” or a demonstration of a “best practice”: Would you recommend this activity for other communities? Why?
The School Health Index is a demonstration of a best practice for assessing overall school wellness. This assessment is highly recommended for any school or district to take.
Describe how this activity relates to sustainable policy change in your community, if applicable.
The Washington State Legislature passed a new law requiring every school district in the state to adopt a policy addressing nutrition and physical activity in schools by August 2005. The School Health Index aided Camas High School to better understand its priorities and support what needed to be added into their new policies. The Health and Wellness Committee will be an important link in adopting these new policies.
