Current status of statewide school health education programs in Michigan

This study surveyed all Michigan public school principals regarding the current status of comprehensive school health education being provided in Michigan public schools. A 32-item survey was developed, pretested, revised and mailed to all public school principals in Michigan. Followup letters were sent to nonrespondents. A phone survey was conducted to nonrespondent principals after the cut-off date to verify survey responses. All data was analyzed by elementary, junior high school and high school population. The areas of professional preparation, inservice education, application and utilization of the Essential Performance Objectives for Health Education in Michigan, the content and time allotted for health education, and the lack of a well-developed organizational structure for health education have been articulated as deficit areas in the current status of comprehensive school health education. This survey provided much information for future consideration by educators, public and private health organizations, and other individuals and groups interested in school health in Michigan.