269186 Classification of Laws Associated with School Students (C.L.A.S.S.): Examples of state level physical education and school nutrition policy evaluation

Saturday, October 27, 2012 : 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM

April Oh, PhD, MPH , NCI Health Behaviors Research Branch, SAIC-F NCI Frederick, Rockville, MD
The Classification of Laws Associated with School Students (C.L.A.S.S.) is a resource created by the National Cancer Institute to evaluate state-level codified laws for physical education/activity and nutrition in schools (http://class.cancer.gov). C.L.A.S.S. consists of two policy classification systems which score codified state law based on criteria derived from public health research and national standards for physical education and nutrition. Scores can be used to compare state laws with recommended standards, assess changes in laws over time, and link with other outcomes Currently, C.L.A.S.S. includes data from 2003-2008, with 2010 data available this Spring. The C.L.A.S.S. website offers a variety of tools to understand and explore state policies:

The State Profile Tool generates a tailored profile of state specific scores by physical education/activity or nutrition policy areas, and year. Profiles allow users to compare a state's laws with recommended standards across multiple policy areas and grade levels and examine how a state's scores compare with the national median.

The Mapping Tool produces downloadable (PDF) color coded national maps that allow state-to-state comparisons for school nutrition and physical education/activity policy areas. Maps are interactive and can be tailored by year, policy area, and grade level (elementary, middle and high school).

The Database contains scores of each state's codified law related to school nutrition and physical education by grade level between 2003–2008, 2010 and biennially thereafter.

C.L.A.S.S. BRIEFS are 1 -2 page summaries of publications and analyses of C.L.A.S.S. data and informational materials. Links to original publications and presentations will also included.

This part of the training will provide every participant with C.L.A.S.S.-derived state maps. Individuals will have an opportunity to compare pre-determined policies in their state with other states across the country. Additionally, participants will be able to identify how state PE and nutrition policies have changed over time.

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) Describe how C.L.A.S.S. has been used to assess changes in state laws over time and linked with other data sources in multi-level analyses. 2) Explain how C.L.A.S.S. can be used to inform future school physical education and nutrition policy change.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: As a Senior Behavioral Scientist, I support the Health Behaviors Research Branch at the National Cancer Institute. My work includes the development of the C.L.A.S.S. web site and related tools and dissemination. I conduct research related to childhood obesity, school policy, social determinants of health and contextual influences on obesogenic behaviors.
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