Coordinated School Health 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.
CSH consists of eight health-related areas covering all aspects of the school health education and services for the benefit and well-being of students in establishing healthy behaviors designed to last their lifetime.
All Texas schools are required by law to implement a coordinated school health program in grades K-8.
The eight components of a coordinated school health plan are:
Health Education: A planned, K-12 curriculum that addresses the physical, mental, and emotional and social dimensions of health.
Physical Education: A planned K-12 curriculum that provides cognitive content and learning experiences in a variety of activity areas such as basic movement skills; physical fitness; rhythms and dance; games; team, dual, and individual sports.
Health Services: Services provided for students to appraise, protect, and promote health.
Nutrition Services: Access to a variety of nutritious and appealing meals that accommodate the health and nutrition needs of all students. School nutrition programs reflect the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans and other criteria to achieve nutrition integrity.
Guidance and Counseling Services: Services provided to improve students' mental, emotional, and social health. These services include individual and group assessments, interventions, and referrals.
Healthy School Environment: The physical and aesthetic surroundings and the psychosocial climate and culture of the school. Factors that influence the physical environment include the school building and the area surrounding it, any biological or chemical agents that are detrimental to health, and physical conditions such as temperature, noise, and lighting.
Health Promotion for Staff: Opportunities for school staff to improve their health status through activities such as health assessments, health education and health-related fitness activities.
Family/Community Involvement: An integrated school, parent, and community approach for enhancing the health and well-being of students.
CATCH - CATCH (Coordinated Approach To Child Health) is a TEA approved Coordinated School Health Program designed to promote physical activity, healthy food choices, and prevent tobacco use in elementary school aged children.
Pleasanton ISD follows the Worth the Wait curriculum in sixth through high school grades. Worth the Wait focuses on helping adolescents make informed decisions about sexual behavior and promotes abstinence as the right choice for teens. Worth the Wait supports the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for health in grades six through ten. The 10 lesson curriculum is presented through the University of Texas Health Science Center and developed by healthcare professionals from Scott & White Memorial Hospital and Clinic based on compelling medical and legal data that regards adolescent sexual activity as a risky behavior and a health problem. Parent permission is required for student participation in the curriculum.
For further information on the Coordinated School Health program, visit the Texas Department of Health Services website.
See also PISD School Board Manual for related Policies and Guidelines including:
EHAA, EHAB: Curriculum Foundation, Coordinated Health Program, Physical Education, School Health Advisory, Human Sexuality Instruction, Steroid Notice and Education;
EHAC: Physical Education Requirements, Parenting Awareness Program, Alcohol Awareness;
FFA: Wellness, Nutrition, and Health Services;
FNFC: Alcohol and Drug Use
