PL/CS Program Review
As mandated by KRS 158.6453, the Kentucky public school accountability system includes Program Reviews for the arts and humanities, practical living/career studies (PL/CS) and writing programs. The PLCS Program Review has multiple references to the CSH model and specifically identifies CSH Committees as a part of the school culture. The PL/CS Program Review will help schools develop a sustainable CSHP.
The Link Between Health and Academic Achievement – Basch -
Academic success is an excellent indicator for the overall well-being of youth and a primary predictor and determinant of adult health outcomes. Leading national education organizations recognize the relationship between health and education, as well as the need to embed health into the educational environment for all students.*
Students with higher grades are significantly less likely to have engaged in behaviors such as:*
• carried a weapon
• current cigarette use
• current alcohol use
• ever had sexual intercourse
• did not eat for 24 hours to lose weight or to keep from gaining weight
• watched television three or more hours per day.
Health and Academics - CDC
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/health_and_academics/index.htm
Why do Schools Need CSHPs?
Six priority health-risk behaviors contribute to the leading causes of illness and death by our youth. These six priority health-risk behaviors are monitored in Kentucky by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). These behaviors are all preventable.
• alcohol and drug use
• injury and violence (including suicide)
• tobacco use
• unhealthy dietary behaviors
• physical inactivity
• sexual risk behaviors
YRBS data can be used to describe risk behaviors, create awareness, set program goals, develop programs and policies and as a data source for grant writing.
When schools, families and the community work together to support positive youth development, risk behaviors are reduced and students’ health and academic achievement are promoted. CSHPs provide the framework for creating these essential linkages.
How to Create Your CSHP
A CSHP coordinates multiple programs within schools and communities and fosters the development of supportive families and communities. To create a successful CSHP, schools
should:
• obtain support from key decision makers in school administration
• create a school health or wellness council that includes school faculty and staff, community members, parents and families, businesses, faith-based organizations, local health departments, youth and other groups and individuals
• assess school health policies and programs using the School Health Index or the Alliance for Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program
• use assessment findings to set goals and strategies to improve school health policies and programs for the CSHP
• integrate school health goals and strategies into comprehensive school/district improvement plans (CSIP/CDIP)
- Committee Planning
- Sample Intro Letter
- Sample Policy