APRIL 2018
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School Health Profiles Survey — School Health Policies and Practices
Have you
ever wondered what percentage of Alaska secondary schools sell candy in vending
machines, school stores or snack bars? It’s 8%, down from 54% in 2002.[1]
Did you know that in 50% of schools, students take only one required health education course in
grades 6-12?
Did you know only 15% of secondary schools have a full-time registered nurse who provides
health services to students?
These important indicators of school health — and many more — are
studied in the biennial School Health Profiles surveys, also called
Profiles. The Profiles results provide valuable information to guide Alaska
toward educating healthy, successful students. Healthy students do better
academically.[2] Healthy students have lower absenteeism rates, fewer
behavioral issues, and higher graduation rates. The 2018 Profiles surveys are
currently underway throughout Alaska in every school district and 239 secondary
schools.
The Profiles are Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) surveys that have been conducted in Alaska every even year since 1996
by the Department of Education and Early Development and the Department of
Health and Social Services. The survey results are used to monitor the status
of school health policies and practices in grades 6-12 in Alaska and nationwide.
Topic areas include health education, physical education and physical activity,
nutrition environment, professional development, school-based health services,
tobacco use prevention, family engagement, community involvement and others.
Over time, the Profiles trend data show whether Alaska schools are increasing
the number of policies and practices that assist the mission of the Alaska School Health Program: “to promote and support
all domains of school and student health and to provide and create conditions
where every student can reach his/her potential physically, emotionally,
mentally and academically.”
Regular nationwide assessment of school health policies and
practices is necessary to understand the school health landscape. Survey
results help identify successes in school health as well as areas for
improvement. These results can inform decision-makers at both governmental and
community agencies.
“The School Health Profiles play a major role in measuring the
success of our efforts to improve the health and academic success of Alaska
students”, said Lauren Kelsey, School Partnership Coordinator with Alaska’s
Obesity Prevention & Control Program.
“Profiles data helped us to highlight the impact of strong school
wellness policies on reducing junk foods sold to Alaska students.”
The Profiles consist of two separate surveys, one for principals
and one for health teachers. A minimum response rate of 70% must be achieved to
ensure validity and reliability of the data.
The
survey results are completely anonymous. All school, school district and
employee information is kept confidential. The final reports consist of
combined statewide data and are posted both on the CDC Profiles website
and the Alaska School Health Profiles website.
References:
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All indicators are from the Alaska 2016
School Health Profiles Trend Analysis Report
-
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Health-Related
Behaviors and Academic Achievement Among High School Students — United States,
2015. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 66 (35).
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