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Oklahoma Certified Healthy Schools


Thank you for visiting the Certified Healthy Schools information page, we’re glad you are interested in becoming an Oklahoma Certified Healthy School.  This page is intended to guide you through the application process.  In 2010, the “Oklahoma Certified Healthy Schools Act” was passed as a voluntary certification of schools that promote wellness, encourage healthy behaviors and establish safe and supportive environments. This legislation uses the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Coordinated School Health model as the framework for what healthy Oklahoma schools should look like. There are 8 components of Coordinated School Health and the application itself lists these components. For more information on this model please go to http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/cshp/.

There are three levels of certification to become a Certified Healthy School; Basic, Merit and Excellence.

  • Basic certification requires at least 2 criteria in each of the 8 components of coordinated school health
  • Merit certification requires at least 3 criteria in each of the 8 components of coordinated school health
  • Excellence certification requires at least 4 criteria in each of the 8 components of coordinated school health

State and Federal Requirements for Schools

It is important to note that all public school districts nationwide are required to implement a “wellness policy” to promote student health. School districts receiving federal funding for food programs are required to have a Wellness policy. Before applying to become a Certified Healthy School you MUST be in compliance with both federal policy on school wellness and the following state school mandates. In addition, your school should have a 24/7 Tobacco-free Schools Policy (*see note under HB 2529).

SB 1627 creates the Healthy & Fit School Advisory Committees in each school comprised of parents, local health care professionals and community leaders to study and make recommendations to their school principal regarding health physical fitness, nutrition, health education and health services.

SB 265 eliminates access to sugary drink and snacks in elementary schools, except for special occasions.  In Middle Schools, SB 265 requires that only healthy choices, except diet soda, be accessible during the day, and limits access to sugary snacks and beverages to special occasions.  For high schools, the bill requires that healthy choices be offered. 

SB 1785 requires the parent or guardian of each student enrolled in Kindergarten, 1st, and 3rd grades at a public school must provide proof that their student passed a vision screening exam within the last twelve months.

SB 1186 increases the PE requirement from 60 minutes to 120 per week in grades K-5, with flexibility in the additional 60 minutes to include health and wellness education and a variety of means to increase student physical activity.

HB 1051 creates the Diabetes management in Schools Act, requiring schools to develop diabetes medical management plans for students with diabetes.

HB 1476 mandates AIDS Prevention Education for students; providing procedures and requirements for such education; providing education that shall be limited to the discussion of the disease AIDS and its spread and prevention; providing at the option of the school district, a minimum of once during the period from grade five through six; once during the period from grade seven through nine; and once during the period from grade ten through grade twelve.
                                                     
HB 2239 states that the board of education of each school district shall adopt a policy on or before September 1, 2008, that permits the self-administration of inhaled asthma medication by a student for treatment of asthma and the self-administration of anaphylaxis medication by a student for the treatment of anaphylaxis.

SB 923 creates the External Automated Defibrillators in Schools Act, mandating that automated external defibrillators (AED’s) be made available at schools, if funding is available; authorizing school districts to make AED’s available at high school athletic practices and competitions.

SB 1876 requires the physical education curriculum shall be sequential, developmentally appropriate, and designed, implemented, and evaluated to enable students to develop the motor and self-management skills and knowledge necessary to participate in physical activity throughout life.  Each school district shall establish specific objectives and goals the district intends to accomplish through the physical education curriculum.

SB 1941 creates the School Bullying Prevention Act providing a comprehensive approach for Oklahoma public schools to create an environment free of unnecessary disruption which is conducive to the learning process by implementing policies for the prevention of harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

HB 2529 requires any educational facility in which children grades K-12 are educated shall prohibit smoking, the use of snuff, chewing tobacco or any other form of tobacco product in the buildings and on school grounds of the facility by all persons including, but not limited to, full-time, part-time, and contract employees, during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., during school session, or when class or any program established for students is in session.

* Compliance with HB 2529 should not be confused with the 24/7 Tobacco-free Schools Policy. One of the sub-components in Section 6 (Healthy and Safe School Environment) states that the school has written policies and enforcement of 24/7—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When schools check this item they are indicating that their campus is tobacco free and totally prohibits the use of tobacco in any form, by any persons, at any place, any time (including non-school hours) while on school grounds and during school sponsored functions held on or off campus.

Tools and Resources to Assist Your School

Since you have an interest in becoming a Certified Healthy School, the Healthy Oklahoma Schools Manual will be a great resource to you as you complete your application. This is a comprehensive guide that will define how schools can integrate the components of a coordinated school health program. A successful, sustainable coordinated school health program requires planning, implementation and institutionalization. We think that the Manual will assist you in making school environments healthier for both students and staff. www.fitkidsok.org

One tool that may be helpful to you as you complete the Certified Healthy Schools application is the School Health Index.  This Index enables schools to identify strengths and weaknesses of health policies and programs.  It also enables schools to work towards developing an action plan to improve student health. This free tool is available at http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/shi/index.htm and may guide you in preparation to become a Certified Healthy School. More information can also be found in the Healthy Oklahoma Schools Manual.

Two other tools developed by the CDC are known as the HECAT and the PECAT: The Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool and the Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool. These assessment tools are designed to assist schools in an examination of health education curricula and physical education curricula. HECAT can help schools select or develop appropriate and effective health education curricula, examine existing curricula, and improve health education delivery. PECAT helps schools conduct a clear and complete analysis of written physical education curricula for the delivery of high-quality physical education in schools. For more information about these tools, check out the Healthy Oklahoma Schools Manual or the web address below.

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation Healthy Schools Program is another resource for schools. This program is a framework for developing a healthy school environment including the promotion of physical activity, healthy eating, employee wellness and student wellness. The program recommends that schools use a six-step building process for implementation. More information can be found at http://ww.healthiergeneration.org.

The application itself lists a variety of health promotion programs and surveys conducted in Oklahoma schools. For your convenience we are providing names of programs and website links.

Certified Healthy School Application Process

We’re excited that you have an interest in becoming a Certified Healthy School. Please note that the 2012 school application indicates that the Principal must review and approve the application. Before you complete the on-line application, please be sure you are in compliance with the state and federal school policies listed above.

Tips for Completing Applications

  • Print a copy of the criteria first for review
  • Do not start the application process until you are ready to complete and submit (you will not be able to save the application)
  • Before submitting the application be sure to print a copy for your records
  • Submitted applications are final
  • Criteria checked must be met at the time of submission

The application process for 2012 will open August 1st and close on November 1st with an awards ceremony to be held on February 28, 2013. To review and print the 2012 criteria click here. If there are any questions please call Victoria Gaddis 405-271-9444 ext. 56433.

The web-based application is no longer available for 2012, but you can start getting ready for 2013!

Incentives for Schools Districts

Individual schools will receive notification in early December that they have received either basic, merit or excellence certification and the school district may be eligible to apply for incentive grants to enhance school environment. Criteria information to apply for the incentive grants can be found at http://www.shapeyourfutureok.com.

Become a Certified Healthy School


Applications are due November 1.