February 1, 2002

INFORMATIONAL

TO: Division Superintendents

FROM: Jo Lynne DeMary

Superintendent of Public Instruction

SUBJECT: 2002 School Health Education Profile Study Data Collection

In 1996, 1998, and 2000 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 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 College to conduct the study. This center will conduct the study among 367 randomly selected schools during the spring of 2002.

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, 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 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 2000 School Health Education Profile Study Report is available in print or online. Online versions are at:http://www.lwc.edu/vchetrc/survey research projects.htm Print copies are available by contacting Fran Anthony Meyer, specialist for comprehensive school health, at (804) 225-4543 (mail to: fmeyer@mail.vak12ed.edu). A report will be mailed promptly.

Additionally, if there are questions about the study or the survey process, contact Dr. Meyer.

JLD/fam/tap/cp