INFORMATIONAL

 In 1996 and 1998, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) conducted the 2000 
School Health Education Profile (SHEP)study of 300 randomly selected school 
principals and lead health teachers in grades 6 through 12.  This study is 
conducted biennially as part of the VDOE's 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 at Longwood College to conduct the study.  This center 
will conduct the study among 367 randomly selected schools during the spring of 2000.

Data from the School Health Education Profile study will be used to obtain accurate
data on current school health education activities.  This will help the VDOE, and 
other state agencies and organizations 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 Longwood College.  Data on the questionnaires are confidential. 
No data will be reported about individual schools, principals, or teachers.  Staff 
members at Longwood College will analyze the data and prepare a report on the study 
to share with state and local agencies and organizations.  

A copy of the 1998 School Health Education Profile Study Report is available. Please 
complete the attached form, or send an e-mail request, and a report will be mailed 
to you promptly.  

If there are questions about the study or the survey process, contact 
Dr. Fran Anthony Meyer, specialist for comprehensive school health, at (804) 225-4543. 

JLD/FAM/shs/cp

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