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Implementing a comprehensive and coordinated health education strategy in a large urban school district
Socioeconomic disparities are abundant among the nearly 400,000 CPS student population, as 87% are from low-income families and nearly 50% are overweight or obese. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Office of Student Health and Wellness is working to address these disparities through implementation of a comprehensive, coordinated health education (HE) strategy that is aligned with Illinois Common Core, supports current efforts around nutrition and sexual health, and reflects national standards. In January, CPS became the first school in the nation to adopt a physical education policy, which allocates 60 minutes per week (out of 150) of instructional time to HE. Improving students’ knowledge of HE through a coordinated strategy can improve health outcomes and is integral to education reform and academic achievement, as there is currently no established national model for school districts to implement.
Methods
The strategy includes implementation of a strategic plan, a pilot project at 25 schools in high-risk communities, and training for schools and partners. Enhancements to the current HE curriculum being used (HealthTeacher.com) are ongoing and will be further revised per the pilot project outcomes.
Results
Outcomes of the pilot include developing several turnkey models and recommendations for implementing a comprehensive and coordinated HE strategy. Lessons learned and best practices in implementing the strategy will be shared in this presentation. Additionally, enhancements to the HE curriculum will also be provided.
Conclusions
Conclusions will articulate successes and barriers in implementing a comprehensive HE strategy throughout the district, lessons learned from teacher professional development and training and will provide a national model for coordinated health education implementation.
Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programsAdvocacy for health and health education
Chronic disease management and prevention
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related education
Learning Objectives:
Describe the Health Education strategy implementation, including challenges and successes
Discuss Health Education strategy early implementation status and lessons learned across the district
Explain the need for similar efforts in school districts across the country
Keyword(s): Health Promotion and Education, School-Based Health
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the project lead for the Health Education strategy at Chicago Public Schools and have over 8 years experience in public health and health behavior and health education interventions.
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.