Action Research to Promote Health in One Elementary School

The mission of schools and the mission of health promotion are interdependent. The promotion of positive health behaviors and the adoption of basic health knowledge and health skills are fundamental public-education outcomes. Healthy children are ready to learn, and being healthy requires education and practice. By embedding the eight components of Coordinated School Health (CSH) into the notion of a school, schools can provide the structure, systems and environment which support children’s health and learning. A broad-stroke assessment of a school’s current health programs and health services will demonstrate this connection between learning and health. Foregrounding the connection that exists between health and learning will reinforce the need for a school to coordinate a health-promoting framework to enhance student learning. The purpose of this study was to conduct an asset and needs assessment of health programs and services; implement or improve programs, services or policies which would enhance CSH; and evaluate the process of the assessment and implementation, in one elementary school.

Dr. Catherine Ramstetter has over 30 years of experience in health and wellness. She teaches undergraduate health professionals and focuses on collaboration to promote health-sustaining environments and foster children’s growth and development. Dr. Ramstetter co-authored the American Academy of Pediatrics Statement on Recess.