Characteristics of Health Education among Secondary Schools: School Health Education Profiles, 1996.

The School Health Education Profiles monitor characteristics of health education in secondary schools nationwide, using school-based surveys conducted by state and local education agencies. This report summarizes results from 35 state surveys and 13 local surveys conducted among representative samples of school principals and lead health education teachers in 1996. Most states and cities required health education in grades 6-12, and most taught a separate health education course. The median percentage of schools that tried to increase student knowledge on certain topics was less than 72 percent for each topic. The median percentage of schools that tried to improve certain student skills was greater than 69 percent for each skill. The median percentage of schools that had health educators coordinate health education was 33 percent across states and 26.8 percent across cities. Most schools taught HIV education during required health education courses. Over half had written policies on HIV infection among students and staff. A median of 41.0 percent of schools across states and 25.8 percent across cities had a lead health educator with professional preparation in health and physical education. Across states, the median percentage of schools whose lead health educator had received inservice training on specific topics ranged from 15.6-51.4 percent. Of schools that received parental feedback, most reported receiving positive feedback. Thirteen tables comprise the bulk of this article. (Contains 11 references.) (SM)