The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released that latest edition of an online self-assessment and planning guide for school health, and school buses are included in the data collection activities.
The 2012 School Health Index was developed by the CDC in partnership with school administrators and staff, health experts and parents to assist elementary schools as well as middle and high schools in improving local health and safety policies and programs.
School buses are included in assessments of student injuries that occur on school property as well as programs to prevent bullying and harassment. School buses are also among the areas on school campuses where schools report how actively staff supervise student behavior. School bus emissions and idling are included in the assessment of safe physical environments.
Schools can self assess how effective programs and polices are in increasing student learning, reducing absenteeism and improving physical fitness and mental alertness. The index allows schools to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses and to develop an action plan for improving overall student health and safety by involving teachers, parents, students and the community at-large.
