Middle School Health Policies: Teacher Perspectives

by Gunsel, Stacy

The purpose of this study is to examine how one middle school addresses student health. In particular, it seeks to identify teacher perspectives on its health policies, as well as their implementation and developmental appropriateness. Interviews with three middle school teachers were analyzed for patterns in responses regarding their perspectives on their own middle school's health policies with regard to tobacco, alcohol and other drugs, sex education, nutrition education, and physical education. The interviews revealed that polices have recently improved to promote student health. However, they need to take additional steps in this area of policy towards becoming an effective middle school as defined by the National Middle School Association.