| DATE: | August 18, 2017 |
|---|---|
| TO: | Division Superintendents |
| FROM: | Steven R. Staples, Superintendent of Public Instruction |
| SUBJECT: | Virginia Youth Survey to Monitor Health Risk Behaviors |
In the fall of 2017, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) in collaboration with the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) will administer the Virginia Youth Survey to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding health indicators among middle and high school students. The random survey sample, determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will include approximately 160 middle and high schools from five health planning regions. Each survey is designed to be completed in 45 minutes. All surveys will be anonymous and schools and divisions will not be identified in the subsequent reports. A classroom teacher or other school personnel may administer the surveys, or a survey administrator will be provided.
Your support of these surveys is appreciated. The data obtained will:
- Provide a comparative data set to monitor trends established in prior surveys;
- Offer data to organizations for use in obtaining grant funding;
- Support the planning efforts of other state agencies, including the Governor’s Office for Substance Abuse Prevention;
- Support community prevention coalitions in determining targeted risk factors for selection of appropriate evidence-based tobacco use, substance abuse, and obesity prevention programs;
- Assist in determining the need for technical assistance and direction for future efforts; and
- Support evaluation of the effectiveness of the Commonwealth’s prevention programs aimed at improving health.
The staff from VDH and VFHY will contact the school division’s superintendent if a school is selected as part of the statewide random sample. To obtain additional information, please contact the Virginia Youth Survey staff by email at vysrequest@vdh.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 864-7649.
SRS/JB/rt