Describes the development and implementation of a professional preparation course, "AIDS/HIV Education: Issues and Strategies," offered at the University of Florida. The course, which included guest lecturers and small-group interaction, was designed to provide factual information and educational strategies, particularly for preservice…

The focus of this issue is to provide an international perspective on the status of school health in 16 different countries as well as issues and trends in different international settings. The articles describe health care delivery and education systems, and instructional, environmental, and health service activities. (SM)

Describes California's Moving Children Project which provides elementary teachers a structure to incorporate positive physical, mental, and social concepts about wellness into a physical education program. The project focuses on body movement, object control, implement control, and game structure, and children learn to apply its concepts to…

Describes objectives of the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health multisite intervention study which develops behavioral school health education plans. It targets third through fifth graders, stressing cardiovascular health behaviors (e.g., eating habits, physical activity, and smoking). Curricula, school environmental change, and…

This study identified factors related to the timing of first visits to school-based family planning clinics by 144 female adolescents. Analysis of self-administered questionnaires indicated that school-based clinics provide services which reduce delay time for first-time visits. Students tend to use such services earlier when they are available at…

Describes the controversial movement toward voluntary teacher certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. An examination of existing certification and review mechanisms does not support the board's view that performance assessment surpasses traditional testing. The article discusses implications for school health…

Presents testimony by representatives from several federal agencies and one national organization (W. S. Cohen, C. Levin, P. Vidmar, J. M. McGinnis, L. J. Kolbe, B. J. Nelsen, D. Ravitch, and M. Corry). (SM)

Discusses five premises that shape design and delivery of postinservice staff development programs (focusing on health education): teachers respond to innovations in developmental stages; a multiphase approach is necessary; opportunities for teacher collaboration are crucial; staff development approaches must fit stages of teacher development; and…

Reports findings from an assessment by the U.S. Congress' Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), which examined national adolescent health services. Results indicated changes in approaches to promoting and improving adolescent health are essential. Congressional actions taken since the release of OTA's report are summarized. (SM)

Describes a 15-year study of cardiovascular disease-related nutrients in a school lunch program. According to the findings, although school lunches contributed less than one-third of total daily nutrients, intakes of diet components related to cardiovascular disease risk were excessive. (SM)

Reports a study of adolescents' motivations for smoking. Survey results indicated that curiosity, social norms, and pressures were the main reasons for beginning smoking and that pleasure, addiction, and desire were the main reasons for continuing; various gender differences surfaced. Suggestions are given for smoking prevention programs. (SM)

An AIDS risk assessment and intervention targeted special needs adolescents. Students completed questionnaires, and health professionals provided risk reduction education and counseling. A classroom curriculum based on student knowledge was developed. Teachers considered the classroom curriculum effective in increasing knowledge levels and…

Because schools are large employers, they are appropriate locations for worksite health promotion. The article describes how cholesterol screening introduced such a program into one school system with the assistance of key community systems. Of 1,639 employees, 74 percent underwent cholesterol screening. (SM)

Study examined factors associated with adolescents' knowledge of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and perceived risk of human immunodeficiency infection (HIV). Results of a health risk survey indicated that minority youth, particularly IV drug users, had the most need of intensive, specialized HIV/AIDS education. (SM)

A psychosocial theoretical perspective creates a rationale for directing alcohol education efforts toward enabling youth to make low-risk lifestyle choices. Meeting students' psychological needs by implementing alcohol abuse prevention curricula to improve social skills is recommended. The article discusses the etiology and treatment of problem…