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Section 2. Recommendations on School-Based InterventionsTable 8. Inventory of Recommendations on School-Based Interventions for Chronic Health ConditionsChildhood ConditionsOverweight/Obesity(n=27) Averageschool-based policies= 13 (range 4-47)School-based Programmatic RecommendationsHealthy school environmentEvidence-based Recommendations■ Evidence-based recommendationspertaining to prevention ofoverweight/obesity and improvedacademic performance are linked tothose regarding physical inactivityand nutrition.PhysicalInactivity■ Implement CATCH in eight to ten schools in eacheducation service center region. CATCH students eatschool lunches that average no more than 30% of caloriesfrom fat and spend 50% of their time during physicaleducation classes in moderate to vigorous physical activity.■ Fund one full-time CATCH coordinator in each of thestate’s 20 education service centers.■ School Health Advisory Councils, required by TexasEducation Code 28.004 to be established in all districts,need to be strengthened and developed.■ Eliminate the sale of soft drinks, candy bars, and foodshigh in calories in school buildings.■ Provide adequate time and space for children to eatmeals in a pleasant and safe environment.■ Provide gyms for elementary and middle schools separatefrom cafeterias/eating areas.■ Assess the school’s health policies and programs anddevelop a plan for improvement. Use CDC’s School HealthIndex: A Self-Assessment and Planning Guide (SHI) toidentify strengths and weaknesses of current health policiesand practices.Healthy school environment■ School leaders shall endeavor to ensure the cost-efficientprovision of adequate spaces, facilities, equipment,supplies, and operational budgets that are necessary toachieve the objectives of the physical education program.■ Require 60 minutes/day ofmoderate to vigorous physicalactivity.■ School authorities shall minimize the use of physicaleducation facilities for non-instructional purposes, such asusing the gymnasium for school assemblies during timesscheduled for physical education classes.Physical Education■ Evaluate existing school-based physical-activity policiesand programs.■ Develop a plan of action for physical activity in Texasschools.■ Enforce state law mandating 200-400 minutes of physicaleducation every 10 days in grades 1 – 12. Encouragephysical activities promotion programs.■ Mandate at least one hour per day of high-quality physicaleducation for grades K-12.■ Provide daily recess periods for elementary schoolstudents, featuring time for unstructured but supervisedplay.E-43