Compiled by the TSHAC, the Resources section provides the most authoritative information, best practices, technical support, references, research and legislative outcomes currently available to support school leaders in their efforts to promote and practice health education and health services within the school setting.
Coordinated School Health Resource Data Sets
The Coordinated School Health Resource Data Sets was developed by the Texas School Health Advisory Committee to provide easy access to school health related data to assist you with identifying areas that can be addressed in your Campus Improvement Plans/ District Improvement Plans, for grant-writing purposes, and to provide data for mandatory reports.
Recommended School Health Services Staff Roles
With more children entering school with complex medical issues, schools are challenged to match the available resources and the needs of students in the development of school health services. The Texas Education Code (TEC) §38.012 outlines requirements for school boards to follow to implement or expand school health services. Although there are different models implemented throughout the state, Recommended School Health Services Staff Roles guidelines outline a local model that is reflective of state laws, professional licensing and best practices.
What School Administrators Can Do to Enhance Student Learning by Supporting a Coordinated Approach to Health
What School Boards Can Do to Enhance Student Learning by Supporting a Coordinated Approach to Health
School Health Advisory Council Self-Assessment
School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) Self-Assessment was compiled and approved by the Texas School Health Advisory Committee at their September 13, 2010 meeting. This document was prepared specifically to help local SHACs measure their efforts to meet objectives, comply with state mandates and serve as a community resource as they fulfill their goals, responsibilities and school board commitments.
Annual SHAC Progress Report to Local School Board
As a result of the 2009 81st Legislative Session, school health advisory councils (SHACs) are required to report directly to the district school board at least once annually with a detailed account of SHAC activities and recommendations. To help SHACs with this requirement, the the Texas School Health Advisory Committee has developed a sample template for the required annual progress report in the form of a power point along with accompanying instructions for its use. Both are attached here for free download. The power point presentation has been developed to be customized for local use.
School Health Initiative Screening Tool
Attached is a sample screening tool and guidelines developed by the Texas School Health Advisory Committee of the Texas Department of State Health Services to assist School Health Advisory Councils (SHACs) in the evaluation of programs and projects submitted that provide information and services to students, staff and the community. Use it to review curriculum, programs from outside agencies or projects that the SHAC is considering implementing. The questionnaire is not inclusive of all the issues that a district should consider, but designed to identify areas for consideration and the need to seek additional information.
Asthma Communications Toolkit
The purpose of this Asthma Communications Kit is to provide school leaders with a one-stop online resource to obtain information, forms and templates to communicate about asthma management in schools with staff, parents, the community and the media. It was created by American Association of School Administrators and the National School Boards Association with support from with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Adolescent and School Health. This toolkit is available to members and non-members alike.
School Wellness Checklist for Administrators (Word 116K)
Providing a healthy school environment that encourages learning is a priority for school leaders. The American Association of School Administrators provides information, resources and support to school leaders on this issue through various projects that focus on children. This short checklist focuses on the prominent wellness issues affecting schools and provides action steps leaders can take to ensure a healthy academic environment.
Resources for Students and Families: Dealing with the Economic Crisis (Word 92K)
REVISED: May 9, 2011 - The current economic situation has impacted almost everyone, some much more than others. Some students and their families are struggling for basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter. Others have to find different ways to fund post-secondary education. In any case, those working in schools need resources and ideas to provide to students and families dealing with the economic crisis. Click on the document below to access links to resources that may assist school personnel to help those impacted by the economic downturn.
FITNESSGRAM® GUIDE for PARENTS and GUARDIANS
This guide will help parents understand the requirements, justifications and implementation strategies surrounding the physical fitness assessment initiative for students in grades 3-12 in the state of Texas. These documents have been compiled by the Texas School Health Advisory Committee with special assistance from the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Department of Agriculture. Access the entire guide (ZIP 3MB) by clicking on the Guide Cover to the right; or, you may choose single documents from the following list:
- Cover of Guide - In Word and PDF. (Word 192K) (PDF 51K)
- Cover letter - Explains the intent of the guide and provides contact information and helpful links. (Word 39K)
- Summary of Fitness Test Principles - Provides the principles that guide the FITNESSGRAM® initiative. (Word 29K)
- Administrator Letter - Letter sent to school administrators from the Texas Education Agency announcing the FITNESSGRAM® initiative and detailing the district's responsibilities as they relate to the assessment testing. (Word 42K)
- Physical Fitness Assessment Legislated Requirements - The Texas Education Code and Texas Administrative Code that address the mandated physical fitness assessment in schools. (Word 42K)
- Texas FITNESSGRAM® Training Test Protocols - Information for FITNESSGRAM® trainers on how to set up a training and what to teach. (Word 81K)
- FITNESSGRAM® Training Agenda - A detailed working agenda for the FITNESSGRAM® trainer providing a step-by-step guideline of what to teach that can be modified as needed. (Word 55K)
- Sample parent letter - Letter sent by the district to parents announcing the FITNESSGRAM® initiative and detailing the student and parent roles during the assessment. (Word 86K)
- Frequently Asked Questions about FITNESSGRAM® - Answers to common questions about FITNESSGRAM® - sent with Parent Letter. (Word 89K)
- FITNESSGRAM® Exemptions for Students with Disabilities - Questions and Answers - The Texas Education Code that provides for exemption from the assessment for students with disabilities and answers to frequently asked questions relative to the code. (Word 45K)
- Sample parent letters with Exemption Information in English and Spanish - Letter sent by the district to parents announcing the FITNESSGRAM® initiative, detailing the student and parent roles during the assessment and offering an Assessment Exemption form. (PDF 405K)
- Physical Fitness Assessment Exemption Forms (English and Spanish) - Form to complete by physician for the exemption from the assessment of a student with disabilities. (Word 29K) (Word 38K)
- About FITNESSGRAM® - Basic information about FITNESSGRAM® and physical activity and children from the Cooper Institute, the program developer. (PDF 534K)
- FITNESSGRAM® Test Items - The six categories of assessment and their tests included in the physical fitness assessment. (Word 36K)
- FITNESSGRAM® Tests - How to conduct all of the tests in each of the six categories in the physical fitness assessment. (Word 205K)
- FITNESSGRAM® Report for Parents - How to interpret the report parents will receive after their child's physical fitness assessment is complete. (PDF 1MB)
- July 1, 2008 Texas Tests Fitness of 2.6 million Students Press release announcing state-wide FITNESSGRAM® results. (PDF 58K)
- Physical Fitness Assessment Initiative (2008) - Chart showing state-wide FITNESSGRAM® results by gender and grade level. (Word 54K)
School Connectedness: Improving the Lives of Students (PDF 4MB)
School connection is the belief by students that adults in the school care about their learning and about them as individuals. Students are more likely to succeed when they feel connected to school. Attached is “School Connectedness: Improving the Lives of Students” authored by Robert Blum MD, MPH, PhD of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. This report was approved by the TSHAC membership at their November 17, 2007 TSHAC meeting as a premier, authoritative and comprehensive resource for school personnel looking for timely and effective information on school connectedness.
Child Health Related Web Sites (Word 103K)
The attached document is a comprehensive list of internal and external state and national child and school health-related Web sites. This is intended as a resource tool for schools, or organizations or individuals interested in children's health issues at the school site.
Whole Child Resolution Tool Kit (PDF, 457K)
To be prepared for success in the 21st century, our students need a well-rounded, challenging education and we need to ensure that each child is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. parents, educators and community members can help turn political rhetoric through awareness of this timely initiative simply by asking policymakers in the community to support a resolution that addresses these five basic needs. The Whole Child Resolution Tool Kit has the information necessary to pass a whole child resolution in a community — an important first step in building support across the country.