Background: There has been much educational verbosity over the past decade related to building capacity for effective schools. However, there seems to be a scarcity of clarification about what is meant by school capacity building or how to accomplish and sustain this process. This article describes the preexisting conditions and ongoing processes…

Although reform-minded people rethink the school's role as a community institution and its relationships with others, new examples and models of health education systems are needed. The article identifies parameters of a model for community-based school health systems, suggesting markers for a new comprehensive school health education model. (SM)

Discusses five premises that shape design and delivery of postinservice staff development programs (focusing on health education): teachers respond to innovations in developmental stages; a multiphase approach is necessary; opportunities for teacher collaboration are crucial; staff development approaches must fit stages of teacher development; and…

Outlines innovations needed in school health education programs at four levels--national, state, school district, and school site. Implications for health education program developers at each level are indicated. (SM)