Physical activity and healthy eating are instrumental to a child's overall healthy development, resulting in a number of positive outcomes, like better academic performance and lower risk of depression. Yet, most young people are not meeting the recommended daily amount of physical activity, are not eating enough vegetables or fruits, and are…

This "Equity by Design" brief highlights equity issues that arise in the process of reopening schools during a global pandemic. The authors examine state plans and guidance for reopening schools across states in the Midwest & Plains Equity Assistance Center (MAP EAC) region which includes the 13 states of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa,…

In this three-part article, Molly O'Shaughnessy gives the first principles that break down the myths of poverty and discusses the actual community partnerships that impact the poverty cycle and make Montessori education accessible for all children. Next, Connie Black writes about the education process and outreach programs at the Montessori Center…

Minnesota's "Tobacco-Free Schools" project encourages school districts to adopt policies which prohibit tobacco use for students, staff, and visitors. In one year, the project has increased the percentage of smoke-free schools in Minnesota from 3 to 43 percent. (Author/CB)

This document provides a structure within which teaching staff can improve students' learning experiences and predict specific learner outcomes in health education. The material is presented in four chapters followed by an appendix. Chapters 1-3 examine the system's values, learner values, philosophy of education, mission for public education and…

In an effort to gather and share accurate information about health services provided to children in school districts throughout 18 rural counties of southwest Minnesota, a survey was developed and mailed to 200 public health nursing directors, elementary school principals, and superintendents (122 were returned). Questions sought information about…

In 1985 the Minnesota Legislature passed legislation providing funds to local school districts for planning, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive tobacco use prevention programs. (A copy of the legislation is included in the Appendix.) The purpose of this document is to assist local school districts in planning effective K-12 curricula for…

Identified barriers that delay seeking professional care following school vision screening. Focus groups of parents, students, teachers, school and community health professionals, and community leaders highlighted several barriers, including lack of community awareness about certain visual problems, high costs of glasses, inconvenient appointment…

New threats to the health of American children, often psychosocial in nature due to societal changes, must be addressed. The Minnesota School Health Education Model is based on the integration of four primary components: (1) school health education goals aimed at health promotion, disease prevention, and long-term positive health effects on…

This study assessed Minnesota school nurses' and administrators' perceptions of obesity, the school's role in providing weight management curricula and services, and current practices. Statewide surveys indicated that most administrators and nurses believe that obesity affects children's physical, social, and emotional health, and that schools…