ERIC Number: EJ1473400
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-1559-5676
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Ready, Set, Coach! An Innovative School Wellness Coaching Program That Helps Get Local School Wellness Policies off the Shelf and into Practice
Catherine A. Wickham; Lynnea Spencer; Nicole Good; Karen McGrail; Denise Courtney
Journal of Child Nutrition & Management, v49 n1 2025
Identification of the problem: Coaching programs (CPs) in schools often focus on student and teacher wellness, leadership development for teachers and administrators, nutrition and physical activity, and academic achievement. However, there is limited use of CPs for the development and implementation of Local School Wellness Policy (LSWP). The lack of specifically designed CPs for LSWPs may provide a gap that, if filled, will lead to practical and productive solutions. Actions taken: The Massachusetts School Wellness Coaching Model (MSWCP) was created to provide guided support from School Wellness Coaches for developing and implementing LSWPs. The program is grounded in theory (Transtheoretical Model and Motivational Interviewing), which provides an evidence-based approach to overcoming challenges to the development and implementation of LSWPs, such as time to plan and coordinate and a lack of resources and tools. Results of actions: Since SY 2020-2021, 51 school districts have enrolled in the MSWCP. Thirty-five school districts completed Tier 1 (an additional nine did not submit their final policy for review), and 22 completed Tier 2 (15 are repeat districts that completed Tier 1). Roughly 12% of the school districts in MA have participated in the program, impacting approximately 18% of enrolled students. Applications/Impact/next steps: In MA, the MSWCP has been a tremendous success, largely owing to the theory-based framework and the School Wellness Coaches, who remain a steady source of expertise, guidance, support, and encouragement throughout the process. The program has provided students with school environments that nourish their health and well-being. Developing, evaluating, and implementing LSWPs is often a challenge for schools regarding staffing, time, and available resources. The MSWCP has helped fill identified gaps and, in turn, provides a framework to help districts get their LSWPs off the shelf and into practice.
Descriptors: Coaching (Performance), Wellness, Models, School Districts, Board of Education Policy, Nutrition, Elementary Secondary Education, State Programs, Health Programs, Program Effectiveness, Theory Practice Relationship
School Nutrition Association. 120 Waterfront Street Suite 300, National Harbor, MD 20745. Tel: 301-686-3100; Fax: 301-686-3115; e-mail: servicecenter@schoolnutrition.org; Web site: https://schoolnutrition.org/news-publications/jcnm/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Massachusetts
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A