Online Program

334414
Provision of comprehensive and coordinated health education in a large urban school district


Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Rachael Dombrowski, MPH, College of Education Division of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Julia Goetten, M.Ed., Office of Student Health and Wellness, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, IL
Stephanie Whyte, MD, MBA, Office of Student Health and Wellness, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, IL
Background

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 Comprehensive and Coordinated Health Education (CCHE) that is aligned with national standards, supports current efforts in nutrition and sexual health, and includes a connection to health services. Improving students’ knowledge of CCHE through a coordinated strategy can improve health outcomes and academic achievement, as there is currently no established national model for school districts to implement.

Methods

The CCHE program includes the development of a scope and sequence for comprehensive health education, implementation via a pilot project at 25 schools in high-risk communities that includes a connection to community health services and training for schools and partners. Enhancements to the current CCHE 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 CCHE district-wide. Lessons learned and best practices in implementing the pilot and developing the scope and sequence will be shared in this presentation. Additionally, enhancements to the CCHE curriculum will also be provided.

Conclusions

Conclusions will articulate successes and barriers in implementing CCHE throughout a large, urban school district. Lessons learned from partner and teacher training and health services coordination will provide a national model for other schools to implement CCHE.

Learning Areas:

Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Provision of health care to the public

Learning Objectives:
Describe Comprehensive and Coordinated Health Education implementation, including challenges and successes Discuss coordination of health education and health services 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

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have lead the Comprehensive and Coordinated Health Education initiative at Chicago Public Schools for the past two years. I have over eight years of experience in public health programming, evaluation and program implementation.
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.