Oral

One fundamental knowledge gap to be addressed is whether policy efforts directed at schools are effective. Linkages between school policies and student behaviors and weights are not available nationally. Statewide surveillance data provides an opportunity to assess prevalence overtime of school food and activity practices, student diet and activity behaviors and weight. The School Obesity-related Evaluation study (ScOPE) addresses this important gap with a “deep dive” examination within Minnesota. ScOPE is a serial cross-sectional study (2002-2010) that combines two survey data sets; the Minnesota School Health Profiles and Minnesota Student Survey representing up to 300 districts and up to 136,000 12-18 year old students. ScOPE will use school-level policy data to evaluate policy and practice trends overtime and the association between school nutrition- and activity-related policies and student weight-related behaviors. The purpose of this session is to describe how Minnesota state surveillance tools are being used to monitor school policy and practice patterns and change overtime, including identifying disparities. This is important feedback to local, state and federal decision makers as they continue to respond to the childhood obesity epidemic.

Session Objectives: 1. Identify the research evidence and gaps evaluating the effect of school obesity prevention policies upon student outcomes; 2. Describe ways that state surveillance tools can be used to evaluate the impact of school policies; and 3. Identify how ongoing state monitoring of school policies reveal patterns over time, including disparities.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)