Profiles Overview

What is the School Health Profiles?

The School Health Profiles (Profiles) is a system of surveys assessing school health policies and practices in states, large urban school districts, and territories. Profiles surveys are conducted biennially by education and health agencies among middle and high school principals and lead health education teachers. Profiles monitors the current status of

• School health education requirements and content
• Physical education and physical activity
• Practices related to bullying and sexual harassment
• School health policies related to tobacco-use prevention and nutrition
• School-based health services
• Family engagement and community involvement
• School health coordination

How are Profiles data used?

Education and health officials use Profiles data to

• Describe school health policies and practices and compare them across jurisdictions
• Identify professional development needs
• Plan and monitor programs
• Support health-related policies and legislation
• Seek funding
• Garner support for future surveys

How do specific states and school districts use their Profiles data?

• In Montana, the Office of Public Instruction, in collaboration with the Montana Department of Health and Human Services, used Profiles results to develop customized technical assistance plans for selected schools to increase attention towards nutrition, physical activity, and employee wellness.
• The Florida Department of Education used Profiles results to develop the agenda for their annual Healthy Schools Summer Academy professional development event.
• In Alaska, the Alaska School Nurses Association used Profiles data to help write a grant to support rural school health services.

How is Profiles conducted?

Profiles is conducted among a sample of secondary schools in a state, large urban school district, or territory. Profiles data are collected from self-administered questionnaires from the principal and the lead health education teacher at each sampled school.  In 2014, 48 states, 21 large urban school districts, and 2 territories obtained weighted data.  Weighted data means that at least 70% of the principals or lead health education teachers in the sample completed the survey. Weighted data represent the state, school district, or territory, whereas unweighted data represent only the schools that completed the questionnaire.

Among states, the average number of principals participating was 260, and the average number of teachers participating was 252.  Among school districts, the average number of principals participating was 91, and the average number of teachers participating was 89.  Among territories, the average number of principals participating was 10, and the average number of teachers participating was 10.

How can I learn more?

For more information, please read the 2014 Profiles Overview [PDF - 384 KB] .