| SCHOOL TOOLS |
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| Evidence Based Programs |
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| Name of Website |
Program Description |
What Outcomes Showed |
Focus Areas |
| Action for Healthy Kids |
Toolkit for teaching parents about nutrition and childhood obesity in addition to promoting their involvement in school activities. |
Parents that participated in the Action for Healthy Kids outreach program gained knowledge related to healthy eating and the importance of physical activity. |
Physical Activity & Nutrition |
| America on the Move (AOM) |
This foundation takes the “energy balance” approach – balancing the foods eaten with the amount of physical activity for each person. Lesson plans for elementary and middle school students. Website for kids where teachers can register their classes and then track their daily physical activity by steps or minutes, and enjoy monitoring their progress along interesting online trails. |
Positive results were obtained through changes in diet and physical activity as well as promoting physical activity in students through the use of step counters. When compared to a self-monitored group, the America on the Move group had a significantly higher percentage of children who maintained or reduced their BMI for age and, consistently, a significantly lower percentage who increased their BMI for age. Website capable of being viewed in Spanish. |
Physical Activity & Nutrition |
| CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) |
CATCH is a program that brings schools, families and communities together to promote physical activity and healthy food choices, and prevent tobacco use in elementary school-aged children. Through a coordinated approach – in the classroom, PE class, the cafeteria and at home, CATCH focuses on teaching children that eating healthy and being physically active every day can be FUN! Lesson plans, workbookd, and videos also available. |
Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the CATCH program (including one in a low-income school with primarily a Hispanic population). The CATCH Program has demonstrated that establishing healthy habits in childhood can promote behavior changes that can last a lifetime. For a complete list click here: http://www.catchinfo.org/Document_Content/PDF/publications.pdf |
Physical Activity & Nutrition |
| Eat Well and Keep Moving (Harvard Prevention Research on Nutrition and Physical Activity) |
Lessons for elementary school children (4th and 5th grades) with web workshop for teachers to provide them with the necessary training and planning tools to implement the curriculum. |
Studies showed improvement in diet of students (increase in fruit & vegetable intake) along with a decrease in television viewing time. For a complete list of references, click here: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/prc/proj_eat_literature.html |
Physical Activity & Nutrition |
| Go Girl Go |
Program has 2 free curricula available to teachers: one for 3rd to 8th grade and one for high school age girls with lessons to promote healthy behaviors including nutrition, body image, use of drugs and alcohol, and emotions. Tips for getting girls active and a website specifically for girls also available as links on the website. |
An analysis of the GoGirlGo! Survey revealed significant positive changes in attitudes among participating girls were found including feeling guilt over eating, control over depression, eating “junk” foods, and attitude towards cigarettes, general health, drug usage, and overall confidence. Materials available in Spanish. |
Numerous |
| Healthier Generations |
Good Resources for Children •Kids can “pledge” to make lifestyle changes with the “Go Healthy Challenge” through the link on the website (www.igohugo.org) Evidence Based - Success stories of schools that followed the Healthy Schools Program Framework using the “Healthy Schools Builder” kit - The framework helps schools identify actions they can take related to the following areas: •Systems and Policy •School Meals •Competitive Foods & Beverages •Health Education •Physical Education •Physical Activity •Before & Afterschool Programs •School Employee Wellness |
One example is of a school that has implemented programs such as: •Making changes to the breakfast program •The “Trouble Free Playground” program •“Challenge Hike” to encourage physically active lifestyles for a lifetime After 5 years of implementing various healthy schools initiatives, one school has seen students’ reading and math scores improve, far surpassing the average scores for schools with similar demographics. Links to Success Stories: Click here http://www.healthiergeneration.org/uploadedFiles/For_Schools/Success_Stories/Success_Stories_Issue_14_Apr%2030%202008.pdf |
Physical Activity & Nutrition |
| KidShape |
KidShape Foundation is a weight management program for children and their families with 2 curriculums: - one for 3-5 year olds - one for 6-14 year olds The following four positions are necessary to carry out the KidShape® Program for 6-14 year olds: Registered Dietitian Mental Health Professional Physical Activity Instructor Site Coordinator |
87% of families who participate in the KidShape® Program lose weight. Of the children who lose weight, 80% keep it off for at least 2 years following the program. |
Nutrition |
| PE 4 Life |
Program that is available for children grades K-12. School members implementing the program must go to the academy site for a training program where they learn to implement the PE 4 Life philosophy that PE is offered to every child every day, is in the form of a variety of sports and fitness activities, and extends beyond the gym class. Each program is individualized and tailored to your school and has basic components including: •Assess students on their personal progress toward fitness and physical activity goals •Evaluation •Implementation Coaching •Follow Up with ongoing support services |
While the national rate of children age 6-11 is 18.8% and age 12-19 is 17.4% (CDC), children enrolled in one PE 4 Life program had only a 3% rate of obesity. Children in the PE 4 Life program also showed improvements in math and reading scores as they increased their fitness levels, while decreasing disciplinary incidents. |
Physical Activity |
| Planet Health |
Interdisciplinary curriculum for teaching middle school students. Focuses on building skills and competencies in various subjects while teaching physical activity and nutrition. Materials and instructions to implement: Power Down - a two-week campaign to reduce television and other media viewing time FitCheck - a self-assessment tool to help students track and improve their activity levels Lesson plans and free online teacher training presentation. |
Outcomes include preventing obesity in girls, reducing television viewing in girls and boys, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in girls and helping to prevent disordered eating behaviors in girls. For a complete list of research articles published related to Planet Health click here: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/prc/proj_planet_literature.html |
Physical Activity & Nutrition |
| Project Fit America |
Project Fit America (PFA) is a national non-profit public charity. It donates to schools, (grades K-12) fully funded cardiovascular health and lifetime fitness education programs. PFA also offers 2 curriculums. The first is the Broad Based ideal for classroom teachers and non PE teachers. Each teacher will receive a curriculum specific to the grade level students they teach. The second is a Core Curriculum for PE teachers. |
PFA’s research found that students that participate in the before school Kid Fit Program attend more school regularly, have less body fat and score higher academically at the end of the year assessments. For complete details, click here: http://www.projectfitamerica.org/testing.html |
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| SPARK |
This is a physical education curriculum and staff development program for students in grades K-6. Students from third grade to sixth grade are engaged in a self-management curriculum that includes in-school and family participation. A SPARK staff member trains teachers through workshops and follow-up consultations. |
Improvements in levels of physical performance were observed for SPARK students compared with controls for a period of two years after intervention. (http://www.sparkpe.org/resultsSallis3.pdf) The program also showed student achievement in sports skills, enjoyment of PE and academic achievement. For a complete list of SPARK related research, click here: http://www.sparkpe.org/results.jsp |
Physical Activity |
| The President’s Challenge |
Fitness File - online tool just for educators that makes administering the Physical Fitness and Health Fitness tests as simple as possible. Active Lifestyle and Presidential Champions Programs which encourage youth and adults to make staying active part of their everyday lives (website gives tips for activities and help with goal setting). |
Through participation in schools, clubs, community/recreation groups and on an individual basis, over 70 million youth have received Presidential recognition for their accomplishments in the program's three areas: active lifestyle, physical fitness, and health fitness over the last several decades. |
Physical Activity |
| WE CAN |
"Ways to Enhance Children's Activity & Nutrition" is a national science based program designed for families and communities to help children age 8-13 maintain a healthy weight. The program focuses on three important behaviors: improved food choices, increased physical activity and reduced screen time. Free teaching tools for teachers including a community toolkit, evidence based curricula, and posters and wristbands. posters, print ads, and wristbands. |
Website able to be viewed in Spanish. |
Physical Activity & Nutrition |
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| Good Resources |
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| Name of Website |
Website Information |
Spanish |
Focus Areas |
| ACE Fitness |
Free on-line curriculum for grades 3, 4, & 5. In 7 lessons students learn the importance of making healthy food choices and being physically active. |
No |
Physical Activity & Nutrition |
| Action for Healthy Kids |
Many resources to improve schools, including programs such as Game On! Ultimate Wellness Challenge which is a year long program for kids that can be used in the classroom. |
No |
Physical Activity & Nutrition |
| The American Association for Children’s Right to Play |
Good suggestions on how to implement a “Play Day” or the concept of “playwork.” Links to research that supports the use of recess in elementary school children |
No |
Physical Activity |
| Best Practice Initiative, Office of Public Health and Science, HHS Use “Initiatives” Link to get to President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS): http://www.fitness.gov/home_pres_chall.htm |
Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS): President’s Challenge is a Great Resource for teachers to adapt the President’s Physical Fitness and Sports Challenge to a special educational need or group. |
No |
Physical Activity & Nutrition |
| Bright Futures in Practice: Nutrition, Georgetown University |
Nutrition Supervision for children of all ages (early childhood to adolescence). Special topics such as “Cultural Awareness in Nutrition Counseling” and provides tips for nutrition and physical activity needs for children with special needs and medical conditions. * However old Food Guide Pyramid is used in resource booklet. |
Yes - Tools available in Spanish |
Physical Activity & Nutrition |
| Changing the Scene: Improving the School Nutrition Environment Y - Group with Team Nutrition /USDA Link |
Helpful kit that “addresses the entire school nutrition environment from a commitment to nutrition and physical activity, pleasant eating experiences, quality school meals, other healthy food options, nutrition education and marketing the issue to the public.” |
This resource only in English. |
Nutrition |
| Healthy Choices |
Recipes for kids and other worksheets that can be used in lesson plans. Information that is from nationally recognized organizations. (example: “5 a Day” that’s endorsed by the National Cancer Institute) |
No |
Nutrition |
| Fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov (formerly known as National Cancer Institute’s 5 A Day) |
Motivational ways to get children to eat their vegetables: •Fruit & vegetable of the month •Recipes, serving sizes •Fun & easy tips •Fruit & vegetable calculator •Interactive “Analyze My Plate” game |
No |
Nutrition |
| Eat Smart Get Moving Personal Wellness Program |
Links to resources like My Pyramid, the CDC, and other websites for nutrition and physical activity. “Bridges to Wellness” curriculum available for grades 5-12 * PROGRAM IS ONLY FOR ADULTS (but could be used for school faculty/staff wellness)!! |
No |
Nutrition & Physical Activity |
| Kaiser Permanente Thrive |
Link to online interactive game “Amazing Food Detective” that teaches children about the importance of good nutrition and physical activity. Link for teachers to Case Files of a Healthy Class, a standards-based education program for 4th-6th graders developed by that teaches the essentials of building healthy habits in the classroom. Activity pages, recipes for kids and links to other resources are also available. |
Yes - “Amazing Food Detective” game bilingual |
Physical Activity & Nutrition |
| Key Strategies to Prevent Obesity, CDC Healthy Youth |
10 Strategies with resources teachers can order and use in the classroom, including ones for implementing a physical and health education curriculum. Also has good tips for policy development. |
Document in English |
Nutrition & Physical Activity |
| Learn to be Healthy.org |
Membership free to access lesson plans for K-12th grade, web-based activities, and interactive games. Interactive “Health Log” to track food intake and measure physical activity. |
No |
Physical Activity & Nutrition |
| Making it Happen – School Nutrition Success Stories, CDC |
Real individual school success stories can be “searched for.” Gives teachers specific ideas for program implementation. |
No |
Nutrition |
| MyPyramid |
Free handouts for kids and parents along with teaching tools (posters, lesson plans with interactive games on CDs and other fun ways to encourage students to make healthier food choices and increase activity using My Pyramid as a guide) available free to educators for children K-12th grade. Program also available to assess individual diet quality and physical activity status. Many great resources! |
Yes - Website and educational materials available in Spanish. |
Nutrition |
| National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity |
This organization supports policy changes and programs that promote healthy eating and physical activity. Good reference that includes links to steering committee members, and national, state, and local organizations related to health achieved by good nutrition and regular physical activity. |
No |
Nutrition & Physical Activity |
| National Diary Council |
Free lesson plans and activity sheets for teaching nutrition to all ages, interactive online games for children, classroom-cafeteria connections, and helpful resources. |
Yes - Some classroom tools (posters/handouts available in Spanish). |
Nutrition |
| Nutrition.gov |
Up to date information about food and related health issues, overview of nutrients found in foods, and “weight management” component with specific section for youth that provides links to great resources (USDA, FDA, etc.) and interactive programs that teachers can use for educational lessons both in the classroom (and during gym class) related to physical activity and nutrition |
Yes - Some classroom tools / handouts available in Spanish from the resources listed, but this varies based on the organization |
Physical Activity & Nutrition |
| NRG Powered by Choice |
Website that students and teachers (advisors) can sign up for and get involved to encourage changes related to better nutrition and activity choices in school and their communities. Starter grants available to promote a campaign for healthier living and to be involved with PANA’s initiatives (Apple Crunch, Go for the Greens). |
No |
Nutrition & Physical Activity |
| Planet Health, Harvard Prevention Research Center on Nutrition and Physical Activity |
Lesson plans for the classroom and physical education teachers along with links to useful resources |
No |
Nutrition & Physical Activity |
| Polar |
Free lesson plans under “teacher’s toolbox” and links to websites that are good resources. The Wellness Center is a multidimensional tool for teachers that includes current health information in the Wellness Library, videos in the Fitness Center, health risk appraisals and teacher reports. (Uses American College of Sports Medicine recommendations as a guide.) |
No |
Physical Activity |
| Research Tested Intervention Programs, National Cancer Institute |
“Diet/Nutrition” and “Physical Activity” links on main site are to pages that have some evidence based programs for school aged children. |
No |
Physical Activity & Nutrition |
| USDA Food and Nutrition |
Links to Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (dietary guidelines, food guide pyramid, interactive food supply), Team Nutrition (educational materials for teachers that focus on healthy eating and physical activity for children of all ages), How to kit for promoting good nutrition in the classroom and the community, & Eat Smart Play Hard (provides practical suggestions to motivate children to eat healthy) |
Yes - Some materials available in Spanish |
Nutrition |
| US Department of Health and Human Services |
Information for adults and teens including help with goal setting for better nutrition and increasing physical activity, making healthy food choices, recipes, portion control and many valuable resources! |
Yes – Site capable of being viewed in Spanish. |
Physical Activity & Nutrition |
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| Tools for Policy / Program Development |
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| Name of Resource |
Website Address |
Website Description |
Focus Areas |
| 101 Packets, National School Boards Association |
http://schoolhealth.nsba.org/site/page_schoolhealth.asp?TRACKID=&CID=1115&DID=12021 |
Recommendations for changing / updating wellness policies and school practices. Program guidelines and policy development tools for areas like “Healthy Eating” and “Physical Activity” along with additional evidence based resources. |
Physical Activity & Nutrition |
| Guidelines for School and Community Programs to Promote Lifelong Physical Activity Among Young People CDC |
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/physicalactivity/guidelines/ |
10 Recommendations from the CDC to promote physical activity in schools. Great guidelines for PE teachers who are involved with curricula planning! |
Physical Activity |
| Healthy School Food Policies: A Checklist, Urban & Environmental Policy Institute |
http://departments.oxy.edu/uepi/cfj/publications/healthy_school_food_policies_05.pdf |
Good tips for policy development related to nutrition. |
Nutrition |
| Improving the Health of Adolescents & Young Adults: A Guide for States and Communities, CDC |
http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/AdolescentHealth/Guide/order.htm |
May be helpful for grant writing/program development. Discusses using data to identify a need to support a program, coalition building, and program development. |
Physical Activity & Nutrition |
| Promoting Better Health for Young People through Physical Activity and Sports, CDC |
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/physicalactivity/promoting_health/ |
Document that outlines ten strategies to promote health and reduce obesity through lifelong participation in enjoyable and safe physical activity and sports. Appendices in document also have helpful information (facts, statistics, standards and guidelines for programs). |
Physical Activity |
| Promoting Physical Activity: A Guide for Community Action, CDC |
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/pahand.htm |
Claims (unable to view this document) to be a user friendly guide that shows you how to facilitate behavior change both from an individual and a community perspective by guiding you step-by-step in addressing your target population's understanding and skills, the social networks, the physical environments in which they live, and the policies that most influence their actions. |
Physical Activity |
| Resource Guide for Nutrition and Physical Activity Interventions to Prevent Obesity and Other Chronic Diseases, CDC |
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/resource_guide.htm |
Document that is a resource guide for various programs teachers can implement including “5 A Day” and TV viewing reduction strategies. |
Physical Activity & Nutrition |
| Role of Michigan Schools in Promoting Healthy Weight, Michigan Department of Education |
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/healthyweight_13649_7.pdf |
Document that is good for policy development and some mention of topics for classroom discussion. Refers to Michigan schools curricula guidelines which are linked/accessible through this website. |
Physical Activity & Nutrition |
| School Health Index: A Self-assessment and Planning Guide, CDC |
http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/shi/default.aspx |
Assessment and planning tool that can help teachers or school nurses evaluate their school programs in 8 different areas (including physical activity and nutrition). |
8 Components of Coordinated School Health Program |
| School Health Resource Database, National School Boards Association |
http://schoolhealth.nsba.org/site/page_schoolhealth_search.asp?TRACKID=&CID=1116&DID=12022# |
Using this website you can search for sample policies and training tools for teachers related to health issues affecting students, (including nutrition and physical activity). |
Numerous |