269158 Classification of Laws Associated with School Students (C.L.A.S.S.): Tools for state level physical education and school nutrition policy evaluation

Saturday, October 27, 2012 : 2:15 PM - 3:30 PM

Frank M. Perna, EdD, PhD , Division of Cancer Control & Population Sciences/ Health Behaviors Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
The Classification of Laws Associated with School Students (C.L.A.S.S.) website uses two policy classification systems to score state-level codified laws for physical education (PE) and nutrition in schools. The scoring criteria for these systems are based on current public health research and national recommendations and standards for PE and nutrition in schools.

C.L.A.S.S. data, maps, and profiles can be used to compare PE and nutrition laws from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., against national standards and medians, allowing users to assess differences across states and changes over time.

C.L.A.S.S. data are currently available from 2003-2008. After 2008, policies are coded every two years. Data reflect the codified laws of each state as of December 31 of the specified year. C.L.A.S.S. scores reflect the law into effect in the specified year, not law creation date. 2010 Data will be available for download in early 2012.

How is C.L.A.S.S. used? C.L.A.S.S. can monitor, classify, and evaluate school physical activity and nutrition policies across time. Scores may be used in larger evaluation studies to examine state laws that have informal policies and their relationship with behavioral and school environment outcomes.

What types of policies are scored in C.L.A.S.S.? C.L.A.S.S. includes statutory laws enacted by state legislatures and administrative laws promulgated by state administrative agencies. These scored policies concern physical education/activity, food and nutrition, and body mass index. Policies that are codified into state law are independently reviewed and scored by MayaTech Corporation through a contract with the National Cancer Institute.

PE policy areas covered in C.L.A.S.S.:

•PE class time •Staffing requirements for PE •PE curriculum standards •Assessment of health-related fitness •Recess time School nutrition policy areas covered in C.L.A.S.S.:

•Competitive foods—a la carte in cafeterias, vending machines, and other venues •Reimbursable school meals •School meal environment •Food service director qualifications •Coordinating or advisory council requirements •Nutrition education •Food marketing •Body mass index screening

How was C.L.A.S.S. developed? C.L.A.S.S. was developed using a conceptual framework informed by a thorough review of scientific and gray literature (written material that is not published commercially or is not generally accessible), as well as consultations with experts from the National Cancer Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and MayaTech Corporation.

This portion of the training will be an overview and demonstration of C.L.A.S.S.

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Public health or related education
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
1) Demonstrate the C.L.A.S.S. state policy Mapping and Profile tools.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Dr. Perna a psychologist and program director at the National Cancer Institute, Health Behaviors Research Branch, and is the lead program scientist for the NCI's Classification of Laws Associated with School Students (C.L.A.S.S.) project. He holds doctorates in counseling psychology and health psychology from Boston University and the University of Pittsburgh, respectively, and conducts research in the areas of physical activity intervention, exercise and sport psychology, and cancer prevention and control.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 1005.0: Applying Science-based Guidelines and Policy Data to Change the Nutrition and Physical Activity Environment in Schools