Program Management: A Necessary Component for the Comprehensive School Health Program

Abstract

The definition of a comprehensive school health program changed dramatically in the 20th century. Publication of the book Health Education, in the 1920s, provided a vision of health education as an instructional experience. In the 1950s, the concept of school health programs grew with addition of components in health services and a healthy school environment. An expanded concept of comprehensive school health programs now includes the components of physical education, food services, counseling, staff health promotion programs, and involvement of parents and the community. The next step involves inclusion of a "focusing" or "integrating" component that unifies elements of the comprehensive school health model. This component provides leadership and management to ensure that potential benefits of a comprehensive school health program are fully realized.