Jump aboard the D-Train: Strategies for diffusion of school health tools

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) translates its evidence-based series of Guidelines for School Health Programs into practical tools and resources to help schools improve their health policies and programs. DASH's product line of tools includes the School Health Index (SHI), Food-Safe Schools Action Guide, Making It Happen, and the Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (PECAT). In order to enhance dissemination and diffusion of these tools, DASH has created the DASH Training Network, or “D-Train” model. To maximize reach and use of tools and resources, DASH is collaborating with school health experts in the field.

The first year of the “D-Train” is focused on the PECAT. DASH selected 13 individuals, with expertise in both physical education and adult learning, to attend the PECAT Training-of-Trainers (TOT) in October 2006. The purpose of the TOT was to equip this national cadre of master trainers with the skills and materials needed to conduct regional or state PECAT Workshops. PECAT trainers are conducting at least three PECAT Workshops each (total of 39 workshops) during 2007. Trainers are required to follow rigorous procedures to ensure broad reach, quality control, evaluation, and follow-up. PECAT Workshop feedback forms and follow-up information about usage of the PECAT will help to inform and refine the D-Train model. Future years of the D-Train will focus on the SHI and other DASH tools.