Investigation of the relationship between childhood obesity prevention and elementary schools' local school wellness policy wellsat assessment scores
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Investigation of the Relationship Between Childhood Obesity Prevention and Elementary Schools’ Local School Wellness Policy WellSAT Assessment Scores
Huida L. Harris Russell
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Patricia Carlson and Dr. Nirmaljit K. Rathee
ABSTRACT
This study examined the increasingly prevalent problem of childhood obesity. In an effort to address this problem, Congress passed the Health, Hunger-Free Kids Act -2010, which requires local educational agencies (LEAs) that participate in the federal school nutrition programs to develop local school wellness policies.
This study assessed eight LEAs in an eastern seaboard state which had a student population of 70 percent or more eligible for free and reduced price school means. The WellSAT 2.0, developed by the University of Connecticut Rudd Center, was used to assess LSWPs effectiveness. The findings indicated a positive correlation (1) between the LEAs’ total LSWP WellSAT: 2.0 total assessment scores and the elementary school student attendance for school years 2009 and 2013. The research also indicated moderate correlation (.62) between WellSAT: 2.0 total assessment scores and the parent/guardian survey responses to nutrition education, school meal standards.
Significant findings of this research shows that the ESB State department of education does not have a physical education curriculum nor does it have any standards in reference to the amount of time elementary school students have for physical education or physical activity during the school day. The only requirement is that elementary school’s physical education programs align with the physical education standards of the National Association of Sports and Physical Education.
Children are the most valuable natural resource for any society and their overall health and academic achievement should always be a primary concern.
To ensure students have a strong foundation for academic success, LEAs should develop, implement and sustain a strong LSWP specific for elementary school students, their family and community members. Introducing and teaching the importance of life long healthy habits concerning nutrition education, physical education and physical activity can help reduce the number of children identified as obese, improve student attendance and student overall academic achievement.