Learning Objectives: Explain how CDC surveys can be used to measure progress in the implementation of school tobacco policies, via SHPPS, Profiles, YRBS, and YTS Compare and contrast strategies used by states to determine the existence and breadth of school tobacco policies at the state and local levels Apply appropriate strategies and lessons learned in their own measurement of school tobacco policies
Abstract: School-based programs figure prominently in the achievement of a goal common to many tobacco control programs - prevent the initiation of tobacco use among young people. States seeking direction often refer to CDC's Guidelines for School Health Programs to Prevent Tobacco Use and Addiction, where the first recommendation is, to "develop and enforce a school policy on tobacco use".
New initiatives have brought about an increase in state-level policies and additional emphasis on enforcement. Increased activity has created increased interest in accountability and ways to track accomplishments.
CDC has surveys which can provide tobacco control programs with information on school tobacco policy within their state or territory, district, school and student level (School Health Policies and Programs Survey, School Health Education Profiles, Youth Risk Behavior Survey, and the Youth Tobacco Survey).
Some states have developed in-depth, state-specific surveys, which reflect their unique situation (e.g. whether tobacco policy is mandated or voluntary) and their unique data needs. Some want to assess the policy status in every school district; others want information on policies for reporting requirements of funding. Assessment strategies range from telephone or mail-out questionnaires and the collection of written policies for individual review, to reports from site visits on school property.
Federal, state, and local strategies for monitoring school tobacco policies will be described, including New York's analysis of school district policies and Wisconsin's data collection as a part of grant applications from communities. Participants will be encouraged to question and discuss and will be able to apply this information as it relates to their own data needs and resources.
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