Examination of Georgia Public School Wellness Policies and the Mandated Implementation Requirements
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Authors
Bennett, Elizabeth Sue
Issue Date
2017-12
Type
Dissertation
Language
en_US
Keywords
School health services--United States--Georgia , Public schools
Alternative Title
Abstract
Childhood obesity is a national epidemic and continues to impact America. In 2004 House Bill 108-265 was mandated by the national government. The House Bill required school districts to create and implement school wellness polices by the 2006 school year. The intent of this study was to find if Georgia public schools are meeting the national requirements and the impediments school leaders face in successful implementation. Furthermore, the study attempted to determine if geographical location impacted successful implementation. A quantitative research design was used to conduct a two phase study. Phase 1 used a quantitative approach to analyze 129 Georgia public school wellness policies using the University of Connecticut Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity online software WellSAT 2.0. An analysis of variance was also conducted in Phase 1 to determine if differences lie between geographical locations. Phase 2 used a survey research design. An online survey was sent to Georgia superintendents regarding impediments of successful wellness policy implementation. In conclusion, Georgia school wellness policies need improvement. There is an opportunity for educational leaders to review the mandated policy requirements and study impediments to provide schools with needed resources and support to successfully implement school wellness policies.