About the Texas School Health Program
The Texas School Health Program supports schools by:
- Engaging in collaborative efforts with internal and external partners and stakeholders to improve school health and prevent chronic diseases for a lifetime;
- Serving as the central source for resources and tools in support of school health evidence-based programs, practices, and policies; and
- Disseminating timely school health-related information and data.
Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) Model
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s WSCC model provides a framework to address health in schools. The focus of the WSCC model is to align education and public health goals to address health in schools. The WSCC model emphasizes the connections between health and academic achievement while incorporating evidence-based school policies and practices. These policies and practices emphasize the role of the local community in supporting the school.
The WSCC model has 10 components:
- Physical education and physical activity
- Nutrition environment and services
- Health education
- Social and emotional climate
- Physical environment
- Health services
- Counseling, psychological, and social services
- Employee wellness
- Community involvement
- Family engagement
By utilizing the WSCC model, the Texas School Health Program serves to support educational entities and public health partners impacting Texas school health issues.
Coordinated School Health
Coordinated School Health (CSH) is a systematic approach of advancing student academic performance by promoting, practicing, and coordinating school health education and services for the benefit and well-being of students in establishing healthy behaviors designed to last a lifetime. All Texas schools are required by Education Code, Section 38.014 to implement a CSH program in grades K-8. The goals of CSH closely align with the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) Model. For more information about the WSCC Model, click here.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is required by law (Education Code, Section 38.013-38.014) to make available to each Texas school district one or more coordinated school health programs.
Each program is designed to prevent obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes in elementary school, middle school, and junior high school students. Each program must coordinate health education, including oral health education, physical education and physical activity, nutrition services, and parental involvement.
Read more about TEA's Approved Coordinated School Health Programs.