title: The use of portfolios in coordinated school health programs: benefits and challenges to implementation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Coordinated school health programs (CSHP) frequently struggle with how to adequately evaluate implementation. The CSHP framework provides flexibility in how it is implemented; however, this flexibility makes it a challenge to effectively evaluate. Portfolios have been used as a technique for evaluating progress and achievement. This article describes the development and implementation of a CSHP portfolio and examines the perceptions of school personnel who have used CSHP portfolios.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study employed content analysis and key informant interviews. Two elementary, 4 middle, and 2 high schools in Florida participated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Portfolios (N = 5) contained rich descriptions and program artifacts documenting each school's CSHP goals and activities. Key informant interviews (N = 14) revealed that school personnel found value in completing CSHP portfolios. CSHP portfolios were described as helpful in assessing progress, facilitating transition with new members, and building support for their efforts. Barriers to portfolio development included lack of time, money, and human resources.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study found the use of portfolios in documenting the implementation of the CSHP feasible and useful for school personnel. Portfolios provide a rich description of CSHP activities that may not be apparent through traditional program reports used for evaluation. As portfolios continue to be used in implementing CSHP, they may be viewed as a best process for CSHP implementation and a key element in the evaluation of CSHP.
authors.affiliation: University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, VI 00802, USA. sbarnes@uvi.edu
authors.forename: Seraphine Pitt
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Barnes
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Torrens
authors.forename: Valerie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: Kelli McCormack
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005431:Florida; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods*; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*