Search

This paper outlines the journey of one Scottish primary school in taking nurturing approaches forward over a 5‐year period, with the aims of improving staff understanding of their role and feeling skilled in using nurturing approaches and improving pupil's health and well‐being and confidence. Using an action research methodology and the local authority How Nurturing is our school framework (Fife Council Educational Psychology Service, 2022), an audit of current practice was undertaken, and priorities identified at universal, additional and intensive levels were put in place. Evaluation data were gathered in a variety of formats from pupils, staff, and parents. Analysis of the evaluation data indicates that pupils had improved understanding of their emotions and how to manage these, staff were experiencing improved relationships and ethos across the school and parents were happy with the support their children were being offered via the nurturing approaches. There was visible improvement in the physical environments, staff thrived on the personal coaching offered and more nurturing practice could be seen and heard throughout the school. It is concluded that the project has made a sustained impact on the health and well‐being of pupils and is now embedded in the school culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schools have been identified as well placed to support students' wellbeing and encouraging the active participation of children and young people in school life is in line with current English legislation. Student-led research has the potential to create a positive, long-lasting impact. This evaluative systematic literature review (SLR) sought to identify the features of effective student participation in the co-production of whole-school wellbeing strategies, with a focus on Participatory Action Research (PAR) projects. Ten papers published between 2011 and 2021 were identified using the PRISMA framework and evaluated for methodological quality and appropriateness of focus. Several factors were identified as impacting on the success of PAR, including group composition, power balance, and sustainability. The paper concludes that carefully planned PAR projects can result in successful collaboration with students to develop whole-school strategies for a range of issues/topic areas. Further research evaluating the long-term impact of such projects on whole-school practice is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a comprehensive framework for the implementation of social and emotional learning (SEL) programs as a means of health promotion in educational settings, to positively impact student, school, and adult mental health and wellbeing across education. It emphasizes the profound impact of education on life trajectories and success definitions. Drawing inspiration from the Greek myth of Icarus and Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise,” it explores contrasting notions of success and their consequences. Schools play a pivotal role in shaping students’ wellbeing across multiple dimensions and developmental stages. Because of this, holistic mental health and wellbeing promotion that takes a whole-school approach is critical. The paper introduces the PRICES framework (Preparation and Access, Restoration, Integration, Connection and Community, Educator Support, Strengths-Based Cultivation and Student Voice) as a comprehensive method for implementing SEL programs in educational systems. Each component of the PRICES framework is discussed in detail, emphasizing its role in fostering positive health promotion within schools. Examples of implementation plans that operationalize this model through a co-development process focusing on the Social, Emotional, and Ethical (SEE) Learning program are also presented. The PRICES model encourages a shift towards a more holistic approach to education, nurturing social and emotional development alongside academic achievement. By prioritizing wellbeing, fostering a sense of community, and integrating evidence based SEL interventions, schools can positively impact the mental health and overall flourishing of students and educators, contributing to thriving communities.

Involving young people in the co-production of whole-school wellbeing strategies is aligned with the United Nations rights of the child and current UK legislation. This exploratory participatory action research (PAR) project aimed to facilitate teacher-student collaboration in one high school to develop whole-school practice with a focus on assessment. Training videos were co-created focusing on students' assessment experiences and ways to improve wellbeing and performance. Reflexive thematic analysis of the data identified key facilitators and challenges to the PAR process, alongside insights into students' assessment experiences. The paper concludes that PAR has the potential to empower young people and open channels of communication between students and teachers. Implications for educational psychology (EP) practice and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The numerical ability of Irish students in international and national assessments is weaker than for literacy, particularly among higher-performing students. The aim of this study was to design a national teacher professional development programme to encourage teachers at post-primary level to develop numeracy competency across the post-primary curriculum. The project explored how numeracy and mathematics can be integrated meaningfully and constructively in a range of carrier subjects and explore how these subjects can, in turn, influence the manner in which relevant concepts can be addressed in mathematics lessons. The theory underpinning the effective design followed a model of professional development incorporating four strategies. The study was conducted over three school years and the pedagogical approaches adopted by teachers in the cross-curricular integration of numeracy are presented. How the approach supported teachers' learning is also presented according to a model of teacher agency in professional development and school reform, examining (i) individual practice (ii) outcomes (iii) perceived work context and (iv) school reform. The discussion points which arise describe the community of practice that evolved and the readiness of the participant teachers to embrace professional development in preparation for curricular reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a historical account of the development of key concepts at the intersection of American education and health. Beginning with early advancements from the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the World Health Organization, the authors show the movement from early considerations of the codependency of health and education, as well as educational revisions of more-familiar “social determinants of health” frameworks, culminated more than fifty years later, with the 2014 introduction of “Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child” (WSCC). At the same time, the authors show that the trajectory of this movement, consisting of efforts to work through differences in how institutions and experts approach health and education, was far from linear, consisting instead of fits and starts. In addition to explaining why WSCC is in many ways a critical revision of social determinants models that serves today as a promising foundation of American school-based health, the authors examine opportunities and challenges that the pivot towards WSCC presents, especially concerning assessment, funding, and collaboration.

This paper presents a historical account of conceptual development at the intersection of American education and health. Beginning with early advancements from the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the World Health Organization, the authors show the movement from early considerations of the codependency of health and education. The authors suggest that more than fifty years of theoretical innovations at the nexus of health and education culminated in the 2014 introduction of "Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child" (WSCC). At the same time, the authors show that the trajectory of this movement was far from linear. In addition to explaining why WSCC is in many ways a critical revision of the social determinants model that serves today as a promising foundation of American school-based health, the authors examine opportunities and challenges that the pivot towards WSCC presents. Three particular areas are explored: assessment, funding, and collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions (CHCs) in school-aged children highlights the need to better understand school health services' role regarding CHCs. Using U.S. nationally representative district-level data from the 2016 School Health Policies and Practices Study, we examined whether having policies on school nurses' employment was associated with having policies on CHCs and whether having such policies varied by geographic location. Compared to districts without such employment policies, districts with such policies (52.3%) were significantly more likely to have CHC management policies. For each CHC policy examined, more than 20% of school districts did not have the CHC policy, with Northeast districts having the greatest proportion of such policies and West districts having the least. Thus, many students' CHC needs may not be met at school. It is important for school nurses to play a key role in advocating for the development of school-based policies on CHCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This exploratory study considered the impact of a whole school programme to enhance relationships, promote positive behaviour, and reduce teacher stress in a secondary school. The programme was facilitated by the school's educational psychologist (EP) drawing on psychological theory and practice across a range of paradigms (ecosystemic, cognitive, attribution, attachment, developmental, and relational). Some key aims of the programme were to change teacher attributions around challenging behaviour and to promote a whole school ethos to further embed relational approaches. The qualitative data suggest that the programme was supportive for teachers, increased their self-efficacy and reduced feelings of stress. Further longitudinal research is needed to compare programmes like the one described here with matched controls, ideally including observational measures of teachers and students. Challenges in progressing organisational change in secondary schools are discussed. EPs are well positioned to support school communities through systems consultation and the application of psychological problem solving frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last two decades there has been a rapid increase in the number of students with autism who are enrolled in mainstream schools. Since the publication of the Salamanca Statement in 1994, the right to inclusive education for all children, including those with disabilities, has been increasingly recognised. This has created tensions and challenges in schools as staff struggle to meet the unique needs of these students and their families. Previous research has found that school staff often lack knowledge about the specific characteristics and needs of students with autism and the practices that effectively support these students in inclusive education settings. A comprehensive approach is needed to build capacity of school leaders and staff to create autism-friendly cultures, implement evidence-based strategies, and improve outcomes for students with autism. This paper describes the development and theoretical foundation of the School-wide Autism Competency approach, which provides schools with a whole-of-school approach to supporting students with autism. The approach brings together research on effective practices of school leaders and evidence-based practices for students with autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of an ongoing health promotion program to sustain student outcomes over an extended period, and to determine if student outcomes are affected by the schools' duration of program participation. Methods: The repeatmeasures study used secondary data from Healthy Schools Oklahoma for School Years 2016-2019. FITNESSGRAM® assessed changes in student fitness levels (N = 12,219); an electronic health survey assessed changes in knowledge and behaviors (N = 6840). McNemar tests examined change in the proportion of students reaching the healthy fitness zone (HFZ) for 6 FITNESSGRAM® tests, and the proportion of students with accurate knowledge or meeting dietary and physical activity recommendations. Poisson regression tested for change in student outcomes based on duration of program participation. Results: The proportion of students reaching HFZ increased for 5 of 6 fitness tests (p = .004) and with accurate nutrition and physical education knowledge (p = .009). We found statistically significant main effects for outcomes (p = .016) and duration (p = .030); there was no effect for the interaction. Conclusion: Students achieved similar gains in outcomes regardless of the schools' duration of program participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND During spring 2020, COVID‐19 forced widespread United States school building closures in an unprecedented disruption for K‐12 students and staff. Partnering with the American School Health Association (ASHA), we sought to identify areas of concern among school staff planning for school reopening with the goal of addressing gaps in resources and education. METHODS: This 16‐item web‐based survey was distributed via email to 7467 ASHA members from May to June 2020. Topics focused on 3 Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child components: physical environment, health services, and mental health. Chi‐square tests were used to identify differences in responses by school characteristics and school role on each survey item. RESULTS: A total of 375 respondents representing 45 states completed the survey. The majority were female (91.7%), white (83.4%) and non‐Hispanic (92.2%), and school nurses (58.7%). Priority concerns were feasibility of social distancing (93.6%), resurgence of COVID‐19 (92.8%), and the availability of health supplies (88.8%). CONCLUSION: Understanding staff concerns in the context of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model better positions the school community to address ongoing gaps and changing needs as schools continue to address COVID‐19 complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model is a student-centered approach that focuses on a culture of health to support student success. Despite its use, the empirical evidence supporting the model is unclear. We conducted a scoping review to understand the research supporting WSCC as a model for student/school health. The search included studies published in English language peer-reviewed journals from 2014 to 2020. Eight articles met criteria for review. Overall, findings from this review reveal a relatively small body of research specific to the WSCC model. Because WSCC is presented as a model for schools throughout the United States, the development of a larger body of research supporting the model as an evidence-based framework will enhance credibility and confidence in the model. School nurses, as leaders, coordinators, and advocates, are well positioned to test and disseminate the model to those seeking to introduce WSCC in their school or district. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In this case study, multiple participants in a large urban school district used the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model to guide development of a district wellness policy. The model's health education component is highlighted, focusing on concerns for special needs students and ones speaking English as a New Language (ENL). METHODS: Organizational structure was developed around the WSCC model and district wellness policy implementation through coordination, collaboration, and communication (3Cs) of programs, policies, and processes/practices (3Ps). RESULTS: The WSCC approach guided the creation of a district wellness policy that influenced programming for students with special needs and required Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data collection. Using YRBS and School Health Index (SHI) data in planning sexual health education illustrated improvements over time. Formation of the School Health and Wellness Collaborative under WSCC improved family engagement in sexual health education programs and practices. Relationships were established with community partners to impact student's sexual risk behaviors. Finally, the district co‐created and implemented an evidenced‐based sexual health curriculum, modifying it for special education and ENL students. CONCLUSIONS: The WSCC approach is system changing. It takes time to develop the relationships vital to improve the 3Cs and 3Ps. Success is enhanced with a district wellness coordinator, the right people at the table, valid health data, and administrative and board support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model is an evidence‐based comprehensive framework to address health in schools. WSCC model use improves health and educational outcomes, but implementation remains a challenge. METHODS: Working with 6 schools in 2 districts in the Midwest, we used a mixed‐methods approach to determine the people, systems, and messages needed to activate WSCC implementation. We report on social network analysis and message testing findings and research translation to develop the Healthy Schools Toolkit. RESULTS: Social networks for both districts included more than 150 individuals. Both demonstrated network densities less than half of the desirable threshold, with evidence of clustering by role and minimal cross‐school relationships, posing challenges for WSCC implementation. Across stakeholder groups, messages that emphasize empathy, teamwork, and action were well‐received, especially when shared by trusted individuals through communication channels that align with stakeholder needs. CONCLUSIONS: The Healthy Schools Toolkit provides an example of a translational product that helps to bridge research with practice. With features that highlight 6 design principles, the toolkit provides complementary activities that schools and districts can use as they plan for integration of the WSCC model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To promote a health literate K-12 population, this chapter focuses on intersections of Health Literacy (HL), Health Education (HE) and Health Communication (HC) and urges collaborations among professionals from these disciplines as well as with stakeholders who share their interests and concerns. Core definitions and evolutionary highlights of these disciplines are presented, as well as their intersection and promise of impact on student academic and health outcomes. The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model is used as an example of a framework embraced by education and health experts to help students become health literate. Internal and external stakeholders, models of what works, resources and strategies for developing or strengthening school health and health communication practice are presented. Selected contemporary threats to the social and emotional health and safety of youth are reviewed; as are successful, evidencebased, collaborative HE, HC, and HL programs and strategies. Finally, recommendations for future research and strategic actions in combining HE and HC for HL are discussed to empower, build resilience, and improve the lifelong health of children and adolescents as they become adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) is a whole-school model for increasing opportunities throughout the school day for access to physical activity (PA). Opportunities for PA during the school day are an important part of the field of kinesiology and critical to individuals' developing patterns of lifetime PA. Guided by Guskey's theory of teacher change, this scoping literature review summarizes findings from 29 studies that collected data concerning the perceptions of stakeholders in a CSPAP. Teachers' lifelong learning process is the focus, including K-12 classroom and physical education teachers and students, as well as current preservice classroom and physical education teacher education students and education faculty at teacher-preparation institutions. Positive perceptions of CSPAP programs were reported by all stakeholder groups. Although studies often include barriers to implementation, the stakeholders generally shared strategies to overcoming these and focused on benefits to the school setting that the researchers explained in their discussions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a comprehensive framework for the implementation of social and emotional learning (SEL) programs as a means of health promotion in educational settings, to positively impact student, school, and adult mental health and wellbeing across education. It emphasizes the profound impact of education on life trajectories and success definitions. Drawing inspiration from the Greek myth of Icarus and Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise," it explores contrasting notions of success and their consequences. Schools play a pivotal role in shaping students' wellbeing across multiple dimensions and developmental stages. Because of this, holistic mental health and wellbeing promotion that takes a whole-school approach is critical. The paper introduces the PRICES framework (Preparation and Access, Restoration, Integration, Connection and Community, Educator Support, Strengths-Based Cultivation and Student Voice) as a comprehensive method for implementing SEL programs in educational systems. Each component of the PRICES framework is discussed in detail, emphasizing its role in fostering positive health promotion within schools. Examples of implementation plans that operationalize this model through a co-development process focusing on the Social, Emotional, and Ethical (SEE) Learning program are also presented. The PRICES model encourages a shift towards a more holistic approach to education, nurturing social and emotional development alongside academic achievement. By prioritizing wellbeing, fostering a sense of community, and integrating evidence based SEL interventions, schools can positively impact the mental health and overall flourishing of students and educators, contributing to thriving communities., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Frazier and Doyle Fosco.)

BACKGROUND The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model provides an organizing framework for schools to develop and implement school health policies, practices, and programs. The purpose of this study was to examine the presence of practices that support school health for each component of the WSCC model in US schools. METHODS: Data from the School Health Policies and Practices Study 2014 were analyzed to determine the percentage of schools with practices in place that support school health for WSCC components. RESULTS: Less than 27% of schools had a school health council that addressed any specific WSCC component, but more than 50% had a coordinator for all but one component. The use of other practices that support school health varied widely across the WSCC components. For example, more than 80% of schools reported family engagement for health education and nutrition environment and services, but less than 50% reported family engagement for other components. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that many US schools are using practices that support school health and align with WSCC components, but improvement is needed. These results also highlight discrepancies in the types of practices being used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly a quarter of the students in the U.S. education system have a chronic health condition, disability, or special healthcare need. Students living in poverty and those at risk for or with disabilities have higher rates of health issues and encounter more barriers to accessing appropriate health care than their peers. The reciprocal influences between health and education as critical social determinants for youth are well established and prompted the development of a comprehensive model of school-based coordinated health, the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model. A brief overview of (a) education-related health issues experienced by students living in poverty and those at risk for or with disabilities, (b) access to health care, (c) the need for coordinated care, and (d) the WSCC model are provided. The WSCC model represents an unprecedented opportunity to increase equitable care for youth through coordinated school health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]