1. School Health Partnerships: Translating State Commitment Into Local Action Nora L. Howley, MA, CHES Council of Chief State School Officers NGA Interdisciplinary Network on School Health Partnerships Portland, Maine October 28-29, 2001

3. The Context State/local efforts for school health exist within the context of other state/local efforts. Good relations in one or more “key areas” can set the stage for the nature of the relationship.

4. How to avoid the power game Often the relationship is seen as one-sided Recognize that each level of governance brings something to the table Respect the voices of those outside the governance structure

5. A Framework for Thinking About State/Local Efforts What is the role of the state agency? –How is the role defined? –How is it implemented? –How is it evaluated?

6. One Set of Roles Demonstrate and encourage leadership Provide support to enhance curriculum and instruction Assure accountability for learning outcomes Encourage active involvement of families Strengthen partnerships

7. Overcoming Challenges Different organizational cultures –Learn about the other--there is more than one way to do almost anything Different languages –Learn the language-what terms can set off fire alarms Different goals and objectives –Find the ones in common –Find the ways to cooperate not compete

8. Overcoming Challenges Map what the state and local are doing –Where do they intersect and where are they parallel Identify the roles/positions of key staff –Does one side have more “power” or is one side less focused Consider asset-based needs assessment

9. Go forward and be successful

10. Healthy Kids Make Better Students. Better Students Make Healthy Communities.