Facilitating Change in School Health
Author Information
Author(s): Bryn Austin, Teresa Fung, Adena Cohen-Bearak, Kacey Wardle, Lilian WY Cheung
Primary Institution: Harvard School of Public Health
Hypothesis
How do outside facilitators impact schools' experiences using the School Health Index?
Conclusion
Outside facilitators may significantly enhance schools' efforts to work with the School Health Index and influence the organizational strategies they use to implement health promotion initiatives.
Supporting Evidence
- Schools with outside facilitators completed the School Health Index in a collaborative way.
- Facilitators helped schools undertake more complex tasks with greater collaboration.
- Participants noted that administrative support was essential for health promotion teams.
Takeaway
Having someone from outside the school help can make it easier for teachers and staff to work together on health programs.
Methodology
In-depth interviews were conducted with faculty, staff, and community collaborators in nine public schools using thematic analysis.
Limitations
The study was limited to schools in New England and relied on self-reported data.
Participant Demographics
Participants included school district staff, community agency staff, principals, school nurses, cafeteria managers, PE teachers, classroom teachers, and one student, with a diverse ethnic and economic background.
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