Data-based Decision Making | |
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In the ongoing effort to serve the physical and mental health needs of our students, our efforts should be grounded in relevant research and data collection practices. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) is a cyclical, data-driven process that is proactive, not reactive. It is an ongoing process that has four main components:
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Plan: establishing a plan with benchmarks, timelines, assigned tasks, and responsibilities to improve
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Do: identifying, describing, and analyzing strengths and weaknesses
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Study: testing and implementing solutions
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Act: evaluating the results and revising the plan
Data should not be collected for the sake of collecting data but instead targeted with clear research questions guiding the development of the measures used. This will help ensure that the information gathered can be used in an impactful way to benefit the health of our students. It is imperative that strategic collaboration remain a key element of these data collection initiatives.
Included below are possible approaches to data collection practices and suggestions for its effective and impactful use. All three featured resources are from organizations that have multiple materials to support data-based decision making in a school setting. You can explore the websites further to find other specific materials to assist you in this work.
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School Health Index Self-Assessment and Planning Guide
Developed by the CDC, this is an online self-evaluation and planning tool for schools. It is built on CDC’s research-based guidelines for school health programs that identify the policies and practices most likely to be effective in reducing youth health risk behaviors. It assists in:
- Identifying strengths and weaknesses of health and safety policies and programs.
- Enabling schools to develop an action plan for improving student health that can be incorporated into the School Improvement Plan.
- Engaging teachers, parents, students, and the community in promoting health-enhancing behaviors and better health.
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Guidance for Establishing Data-Based School Behavioral Health Teams Across the Tiers
The Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) developed this decision making resources that outlines decision guidelines, decision-making cycles, and goals/benchmarks at each tier. It is organized with academic, behavioral, and social student outcomes in mind.
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ED School Climate Surveys (EDSCLS)
These surveys, available as pdfs to be distributed, are national benchmark study questionnaires. There are three types, one for students, one for instructional staff, and one for non-instructional staff/principal. Each survey covers 3 domains and 13 topics. All survey questions are focused on the perceptions of respondents regarding various aspects of school climate.
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Reducing Inequality of Young People | William T. Grant Foundation
Funding to build, test, or increase understanding of programs, policies, or practices to reduce inequality in the academic, social, behavioral, or economic outcomes of young people ages 5-25 in the United States.
Learn more
Deadline: May 3, 2023
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Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics | SAMHSA
Funding to to transform community behavioral health systems and provide comprehensive, coordinated behavioral health care.
Learn more
Deadline: May 22, 2023
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Hispanic/Latino Behavioral Health Center of Excellence | SAMHSA
Funding to establish a Center of Excellence (CoE) to advance the behavioral health equity of Hispanic/Latino communities.
Learn more
Deadline: May 23, 2023
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Now Available: YRBS Data Summary & Trends Report: 2011–2021
The CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2011-2021 provides surveillance data from 2021, as well as 10-year trends from 2011 through 2021, on behaviors and experiences among high school students in the United States related to health and well-being. It looks at:
- sexual behavior
- substance use
- experiences of violence
- mental health
- suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Additionally, this year’s report includes data on social determinants of health like unstable housing, and protective factors like school connectedness and parental monitoring.
Access the Report
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Proposals: The 2023 Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health
This year's theme is Building Hopeful Futures for All Youth. The conference is organized by the National Center for School Mental Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana from December 5-7, 2023. Proposals are due Monday, May 15, 2023.
Learn More
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Upcoming Meetings and Events | |
The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools (CHHCS) Weekly Insider is a web-enhanced newsletter that offers news alerts, grant announcements and general web site updates delivered directly to your email box on a weekly basis. The Center is located at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
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© 2023 Center for Health and Health Care in Schools | | | | |
