Coordinated School Health
Definition
Coordinated School Health (CSH) is a systemic approach of advancing student academic performance by promoting, practicing and coordinating school health education and services for the benefit and well-being of students in establishing healthy behaviors designed to last their lifetime.
Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) Model
The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model is an expansion and update of the Coordinated School Health (CSH) approach. The WSCC model joins the components of CSH and the tenets of the whole child approach of the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). The WSCC model focuses its attention on the child, emphasizes a school-wide approach, and acknowledges learning, health, and the school as being a part and reflection of the local community.
What is Coordinated School Health?
Coordinated School Health is a comprehensive approach to promoting the health and well-being of students and staff. The original Coordinated School Health model included 8 components: nutrition services, physical education, health education, health services, counseling and support services, healthy school environment, health promotion for staff, and family/community involvement. Through the coordinated approach, each component works synergistically with the other components to maximize health/wellness benefits to the campus community.
The original 8-component Coordinated School Health model has been updated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model.
Is Coordinated School Health required?
School districts are required to provide training and implement an approved Coordinated School Health Program in each elementary, middle, and junior high school in the district.
Texas Education Code §38.014: EDUCATION CODE CHAPTER 38. HEALTH AND SAFETY (texas.gov)
What Coordinated School Health Programs have been approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA)?
The list of the currently approved Coordinated School Health Programs can be found on the TEA website at the following web address: Approved Coordinated School Health Programs | Texas Education Agency
