title: Healthy and safe school environment, Part II, Physical school environment: results from the School Health Policies and Programs Study 2006.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  As society continues to focus on the importance of academic achievement, the physical environment of schools should be addressed as 1 of the critical factors that influence academic outcomes. The School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS) 2006 provides, for the first time, a comprehensive look at the extent to which schools have health-promoting physical school environment policies and programs.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducts the SHPPS every 6 years. In 2006, computer-assisted telephone interviews or self-administered mail questionnaires were completed by state education agency personnel in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and among a nationally representative sample of school districts (n=424). Computer-assisted personal interviews were conducted with personnel in a nationally representative sample of elementary, middle, and high schools (n=992).
  
  
  RESULTS
  One third (35.4%) of districts and 51.4% of schools had an indoor air quality management program; 35.3% of districts had a school bus engine-idling reduction program; most districts and schools had a policy or plan for how to use, label, store, dispose of, and reduce the use of hazardous materials; 24.5% of states required districts or schools to follow an integrated pest management program; and 13.4% of districts had a policy to include green design when building new school buildings or renovating existing buildings.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SHPPS 2006 results can guide education and health agency actions in developing and implementing evidence-based tools, policies, programs, and interventions to ensure a safe and healthy physical school environment.
authors: Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, MS-K33, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. sce2@cdc.gov
authors: Sherry Everett
authors: SE
authors: Jones
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Axelrad
authors: Wendy A
authors: WA
authors: Wattigney
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D002648:Child; D004779:Environment Design; D015386:Hazardous Substances; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D016134:Organizational Policy; D015397:Program Evaluation; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012574:Schools; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D015386:Hazardous Substances