COD E R E D

Childhood ConditionsSchool-based Programmatic Recommendations■ Suitably adapted physical education shall be included aspart of individual education plans for students with chronichealth problems, other disabling conditions, or other specialneeds that preclude such students' participation in regularphysical education instruction or activities.■ Health-related physical fitness testing shall be integratedinto the curriculum as an instructional tool, except in theearly elementary grades. Staff will maintain theconfidentiality of fitness test results, which will be madeavailable only to students and their parents/guardians.Pupil/student health education■ Educate all children about the importance of physicalactivity and the role of school and community environmentsin influencing their activity choices.School personnel education■ Educate school administrators, teachers, and PTAmembers on the positive relationship between physicalactivity and academic performance.■ All physical education teachers shall be adequatelyprepared and regularly participate in professionaldevelopment activities to effectively deliver the physicaleducation program. Preparation and professionaldevelopment activities shall provide basic knowledge of thephysical development of children and adolescents combinedwith skill practice in program-specific activities and otherappropriate instructional techniques and strategies designedto promote lifelong habits of physical activity.Evidence-based RecommendationsUndernourished■ Develop sensitivity of staff to the problems encounteredby the overweight child.Healthy school environment■ Use only healthful foods as rewards and as fundraisers.Increase the availability and affordability of fresh produceand healthy food choices in schools.■ Use subsidies to lower the price of healthy foods.■ Students and staff shall have adequate space to eatmeals in pleasant surroundings and shall have adequatetime to eat, relax, and socialize: at least 10 minutes aftersitting down for breakfast and 20 minutes after sitting downfor lunch. Safe drinking water and convenient access tofacilities for hand washing and oral hygiene shall beavailable.■ Develop a mandatory schoolbreakfast program■ Each district/school shall employ a food service director,who is properly qualified and certified according to currentprofessional standards, to administer the school foodservice program and satisfy reporting requirements.■ Develop and implement nutritional standards for foodsand beverages sold in state vending machines andcafeterias.■ Limit access to area restaurants during school hours.Nutrition Services■ Evaluate existing school-based nutrition policies andprograms.■ Develop an action plan on physical activity and nutrition inTexas schools.■ Implement SB 19 nutrition standards in grades K-12.Encourage healthy eating promotion programs.E-44