A study of health policies in public school administration.

MF-$0.76 HC-$1.58 PLUS POSTAGE Communicable Diseases; Environment; First Aid; Handicapped Students; *Health Education; *Health Programs; Lunch Programs; *School Health Services; *School Policy; Writing This study was undertaken to identify, classify, and interpret extant written school health policies. Furthermore, it was planned to ascertain whether schools were using standardized forms or systematic procedures to formulate school health policies. Administrators in school districts representing every geographical area of the U.S. were asked to send any written material available in any area of school health. The greatest number of separate statements concerning health policies and procedures were identified under the following categories: health services, administrative responsibilities, first aid and emergency care, health of school personnel, environmental health, and communicable disease prevention and control. A considerably smaller number of policies were identified and classified under the areas of provisions for handicapped pupils; safety and accident prevention; qualifications, requirements and selection of health teachers; transportation policies; school lunch programs; and health instruction. The lack of definite policies and procedures in health instruction was considered particularly appalling. Health and a written statement of school health policies are of paramount importance to students, parents, teachers, and the community. (PB)