CDC - Coordinated School Health Model

Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established a framework to better address the health and learning needs of students.  The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model for Coordinated School Health addresses those needs. Because public health and education serve the same children, often in the same settings, collaboration between education leaders and health sectors serves to improve the well-being of children. Therefore, coordinated school health programs are implemented to improve health literacy of students, better understanding the importance of eating healthy, engaging in daily vigorous physical activity, and recognizing and establishing good mental health practices. Providing a safe and welcoming environment where the health and well-being of students is valued and where evidence based CSHP’s thrive can have a positive health impact in the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development of students. For more about WSCC go to:

Texas Legislative Senate Bills (SB 19) and (SB 42) Coordinated Health Program​​

In 2001 the Texas Senate passed into law (SB 19) a coordinated school health approach in elementary schools to prevent obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes [later to extend to middle school students in 2003 with (SB 42)]. 

Excerpt from Legislative Bill SB 19 and SB 42

Sec. 38.013. and 38.014 COORDINATED HEALTH PROGRAM FOR ELEMENTARY [AND MIDDLE] SCHOOL STUDENTS. 

The agency shall make available to each school district a coordinated health program designed to prevent obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type II diabetes in elementary [and middle] school students. 

The program must provide for coordinating: 

(1) health education; 

(2) physical education and physical activity; 

(3) nutrition services; and 

(4) parental involvement.