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| Team Washington State |
The PANT Coordinator and DOH Youth Tobacco Prevention Education Specialist collaborated and reviewed the Healthy Youth Survey data (www.askhys.net) to find an alarming increase in the rate of smoking cigars. An assessment was created to increase opportunities for Washington State Middle School Students to engage in tobacco prevention education through a rigorous, research-based, standards-aligned assessment. The assessment was shared with the Health and Fitness Cadre and Tobacco Prevention Education Coordinators at a kick off meeting with DOH and OSPI leaders. A list of research-based curricula was developed that aligned to the assessment and standards. These materials were posted online and disseminated through various venues. By the end of Year 3, this assessment was administered to over 1,075 students in 12 school districts to meet the requirements of the state law, RCW 28A.230.095, requiring school districts to administer a health and fitness assessment in elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. The impact for Washington State will be to teach our students that good health and safety principles can lead to a lifetime of healthy practices, resulting in more productive, active, and successful lives.
What Washington State school districts say regarding assessments…
“I believe that having these assessments brings the teaching of these subjects to the forefront. Teachers are talking about these academic areas and the relationship it has to the whole child. The assessments have been beneficial because they are common to all. Traditionally, teachers in our district have understood the standards, but did not have common assessments. The assessments provide a basis for powerful conversations about the kind of instruction that leads to student learning.”
Lisa Rakoz
Lisa.Rakoz@k12.wa.us
http://www.k12.wa.us/HealthFitness/default.aspxwww.k12.wa.us/healthfitness/CBAs/MSCBAs09/MSTobaccoTimes10.pdf
