Background: Comprehensive sex and sexuality education (CSE) is an evidence-based intervention associated with improved sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Currently, there are no standardized requirements for sex and sexuality education in the United States, despite expert recommendations. Contributions to Theory: In the United States, a…

Background: In 2014, the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE), the only statewide school system in the United States, predominately enrolled children (keiki) from underserved communities and lacked school nurses or a school health program. Chronic absenteeism due to health concerns was identified as a barrier to academic success. Methods: The DOE…

Childhood hunger is one of the nation's most insidious problems and can have profound negative effects on children's health and development. Often the cause of hunger, food insecurity can limit a child's cognitive and socioemotional development, thereby impairing school achievement, and diminishing long-term productivity and economic potential.…

Background: Obesity is a major concern among American Indians and Hispanics. The Child Health Initiative for Lifelong Eating and Exercise (CHILE) is an evidence-based intervention to prevent obesity in children enrolled in 16 Head Start (HS) Centers in rural communities. The design and implementation of CHILE are described. Methods: CHILE uses a…

One method in which health professionals can influence adolescent substance use is by correcting social norms. According to the social norms theory, individuals often erroneously believe that the majority of people engage in unhealthy behaviors, a misperception that may motivate individuals to increase their own unhealthy behaviors. The social…

Background: This article discusses the importance of screening students in schools for emotional/behavioral problems. Methods: Elements relevant to planning and implementing effective mental health screening in schools are considered. Screening in schools is linked to a broader national agenda to improve the mental health of children and…

The four-year School Health Education Evaluation (SHEE) brings new evidence and directions for more successful health education programs. The successful implementation of this program requires administrative support to ensure adequate teacher preparation, and fidelity to the curriculum must be maintained. (Author/MT)

An ongoing multiple community drug abuse prevention project is used to illustrate the process of community-based programming. Program support, quality control, and accommodation of both program and research objectives are emphasized. (Author/MT)

Examines the concept of school-site health promotion for school faculty and staff, discussing its essential functions and impact and noting what school decision makers at the national, state, and school levels need to know and do to implement such programs. Examples of successful implementation are presented. (SM)

The Portal School Program at Arizona State University is described as one method of promoting health education in elementary schools. Teachers are directly involved in curriculum decision making through inservice training. Elements of the program are explored. (Author/DF)

"Hypertension Alert," a 1979-80 blood pressure screening-awareness project of the Yonkers, New York Public Schools, is described. Data is analyzed in tables for ethnic composition, and range of blood pressure readings for the high school, junior high school, and elementary school students tested. (Author/JMK)

A brief overview on aging education precedes the identification of resources to help implement aging education in elementary and secondary school programs. (Author/CB)

The Delphi technique for determining goals and objectives provides for the explicit articulation of the direction in which an institution, organization, or program should go. An example is given of planning a health education curriculum using the Delphi technique with maximum participation on the part of teachers. (JD)

This article explores two methods of peer counseling used in high schools. The open model of counseling, or students trained to help other students, is described. (Author/DF)

School health screening programs, which include screening, education of children and parents, and follow-up in the form of appropriate treatment, are described. A scoliosis screening program is described as an example of the model presented. Suggestions for planners, participants, and evaluators of any school health screening are summarized. (JMF)