COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P.O. BOX 2120
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120
SUPTS. MEMO NO. 2
January 9, 2004
INFORMATIONAL
|
TO: |
Division
Superintendents |
|
FROM: |
Jo Lynne
DeMary Superintendent
of Public Instruction |
|
SUBJECT: |
2004 School Health Profile
Data Collection |
In
1996, 1998, 2000, and 2002 the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)
conducted the School Health Education
Profile (SHEP) study of 300-370 randomly selected school principals and
lead health teachers in grades 6 through 12.
This study, now referred to as the School Health Profile, is
conducted biennially as part of the VDOEs cooperative agreement with the
Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC).
The
VDOE has contracted with the Virginia Comprehensive School Health Education
Training and Resource Center (VCHETRC) at Longwood University to conduct the
study in 2004. This center will conduct
the study among approximately 350 randomly selected schools during the spring
of 2004.
The
School Health Profile (Profile)
study will be used to obtain accurate data on current school health education
activities. This will help the VDOE,
Virginia Department of Health, and other state agencies and organizations to
develop or revise programs to improve the delivery of school health education
to students. The data will help in planning staff development activities,
allocating program resources, and providing a basis for future funding
requests.
Participation
in the study is voluntary. However, the
VDOE believes the data are useful and would appreciate it if the persons
selected will complete and return the questionnaires to the VCHETRC at Longwood
University. Data on the questionnaires
are confidential. No data will be reported
about school divisions, individual schools, principals, or teachers. Staff members at Longwood University will
analyze the data and prepare a report on the study to share with state and
local agencies and organizations.
A
copy of the 2002 School Health Education
Profile Report is available in print or online. Online versions are at: www.lwc.edu/vchetrc/survey
research projects.htm. Print copies are available by contacting Muriel
Azria-Evans, comprehensive school health specialist, at (804) 225-4543 or mazria-e@mail.vak12ed.edu. A report
will be mailed promptly.
Additionally,
if there are questions about the study or the survey process, contact Dr.
Azria-Evans.