A Whole School Approach: Collaborative Development of School Health Policies, Processes, and Practices

Abstract

BACKGROUNDThe Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model shows the interrelationship between health and learning and the potential for improving educational outcomes by improving health outcomes. However, current descriptions do not explain how to implement the model.METHODSThe existing literature, including scientific articles, programmatic guidance, and publications by national agencies and organizations, was reviewed and synthesized to describe an overview of interrelatedness of learning and health and the 10 components of the WSCC model.RESULTSThe literature suggests potential benefits of applying the WSCC model at the district and school level. But, the model lacks specific guidance as to how this might be made actionable. A collaborative approach to health and learning is suggested, including a 10-step systematic process to help schools and districts develop an action plan for improving health and education outcomes. Essential preliminary actions are suggested to minimize the impact of the challenges that commonly derail systematic planning processes and program implementation, such as lack of readiness, personnel shortages, insufficient resources, and competing priorities.CONCLUSIONSAll new models require testing and evidence to confirm their value. District and schools will need to test this model and put plans into action to show that significant, substantial, and sustainable health and academic outcomes can be achieved.

Researchers Supporting Schools to Improve Health: Influential Factors and Outcomes of Knowledge Brokering in the COMPASS Study

“…In Y2, schools with principals or vice‐principals as the main contact for the COMPASS study were less likely to participate in knowledge brokering. This is particularly interesting given the critical role of administrators in the implementation of school health initiatives . Hence, it emphasizes the importance of developing strategies to engage administrators in knowledge brokering to enhance school outcomes.…”

“…This is particularly interesting given the critical role of administrators in the implementation of school health initiatives. [42][43][44][45] Hence, it emphasizes the importance of developing strategies to engage administrators in knowledge brokering to enhance school outcomes. However, there was no relationship between a change in school contact or school principal and knowledge brokering participation.…”

The Implementation of Mental Health Policies and Practices in Schools: An Examination of School and State Factors

“…Research in the areas of teaching HIV prevention, vaccinations and the HPV virus has suggested that ongoing training in current health topics is necessary to ensure qualified, experienced health teachers. As Hunt et al notes, qualified, trained health education teachers help students acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for making health‐promoting decisions, achieving health literacy, and adopting health‐enhancing behaviors. Having teachers with a focus on health education also allows schools to leverage the single state‐provided support found to be significantly associated with the outcome in this study, namely health educator professional development in the areas of emotional behavior health and suicide prevention.…”

Creation and implementation of SAMPRO™: A school-based asthma management program

“…Furthermore, the collaboration of multiple school staff can help to advance health and academic outcomes. 29 A consensus document developed by the Asthma and School subcommittee of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s National Asthma Education and Prevention Program stressed the importance of asthma education for all school staff as integral to the establishment of a successful school asthma management program (www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-pro/resources/lung/managing-asthma-guide-schools-2014-edition-html). In addition to asthma basics education, this resource also contains comprehensive information about the roles that each school staff member can play in a school asthma program, as well as ideas on action items for various staff members that are briefly covered in this white paper.…”