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Table 1 Description of training, resources, in-school services, and assessment activities provided by HealthMPowers to participating schools

From: A holistic school-based intervention for improving health-related knowledge, body composition, and fitness in elementary school students: an evaluation of the HealthMPowers program

Program element

Description

Training

• School health team of 3–5 individuals

   Provide a foundation for implementation and sustainability of the HealthMPowers intervention

   Trained school staff are expected to train colleagues

   HealthMPowers will provide on-site training of staff for schools who request it, but online recorded trainings are always available to boost team members’ skills

• Three HealthMPowers trainings each year to provide professional guidance and technical assistance regarding:

   Assessing baseline health school programs, policies, and environment

   Developing an action plan

   Implementing HealthMPowers materials and curriculum

• Annual refresher training of school staff on collection of height, weight, and fitness data

Resources

• Resources and teaching aids consistent with Georgia Performance Standards and Common Core State Standards

   Facilitate integration of health education and physical activity instruction into the school day

   Includes activity booklets, classroom exercise DVDs, integrated lessons, family-based reinforcement activities

In-School Services

• Student-focused: School-wide assemblies, student classroom lessons, 10-station exhibit about the human body (1 per year)

• Staff-focused: Staff wellness support

Assessment

• Data collected and analyzed by HealthMPowers and school staff

   First year: baseline data on school practices and policies collected to determine strengths and areas for improvement; student knowledge, self-reported behaviors, and fitness data collected at the beginning and at the end of the school year

   Subsequent years: data on school practices and policies collected to determine strengths and areas for improvement; student knowledge, self-reported behaviors, and fitness data collected at the beginning and end of the school year

• Schools may also request yearly assessments of staff health risk and staff fitness

• Yearly report from HealthMPowers to each school; also provides assessment tools that schools can use after completing the program