School Health Programs
The School Health Program within the Department of Health strives to prepare students to work within a public school or public health setting. At graduation, these students should be prepared to implement the strategies, activities and services in a coordinated planned way that will enhance the wellness of students, families and communities.
The School Health Program primarily serves majors in Kinesiology, Elementary Education, and Public/Community Health with core courses that directly affect teacher certification and Certified Health Education Specialists. These courses include:
- Health Issues of School-aged Youth
- Health for the Elementary Grades
- Family Life and Sexuality Education
- Curriculum and Instruction in Health
- School Health Programs
The School Health faculty is engaged in a number of University and community projects which further the School Health mission.
- Partners in Prevention. The School Health program is the sponsor of the WCU Partners in Prevention Program. The PIP program teaches trainees to recognize those students on campus who may be experiencing alcohol or other drug issues that are interfering in their relationships or academics. To date, over 100 faculty and staff, and over 150 students on the WCU campus have been trained as Partners in Prevention. Click on the link below to learn more about this campus-wide effort. To schedule trainings on campus:
- School Health faculty members are involved in the state-wide effort to create wellness policies and councils in the Pennsylvania public schools. Currently, three local school districts have contracted with members of the School Health Program to help them develop viable policies and councils for their school systems. This is an ongoing program that will be a focus for the foreseeable future, as districts must have School Health Councils in place and functioning by September of 2008. Consultants for the development of School Health Councils are: Dr. Tammy James
- School Health Faculty also work closely with the American Cancer Society in two diverse projects. Ms. Lynne Hamelton is a trainer for the new National Health Education Standards, whose development was sponsored by the American Cancer Society. For more information on the two programs:
- The School Health program supports the Health Sciences Minor, the B.S. in Health Science for those in the allied health professions, and the Master’s of Education degree in School Health.
Full descriptions of these programs can be accessed by clicking on the links below.
B.S. in Health Science
M.Ed. School Health
M.Ed. School Health