The WSCC model combines the “Whole Child” model from ASCD with CDC’s Coordinated School Health (CSH) approach and emphasizes the relationship between educational attainment and health. It is designed to strengthen a unified and collaborative approach to improve learning and health in the nation’s schools.

The ten components of the WSCC are:

• Health Education
• Physical Education and Physical Activity
• Nutrition Environment and Services
• Health Services
• Counseling, Psychological, and Social Services
• Social and Emotional Climate
• Physical Environment
• Employee Wellness
• Family Engagement
• Community Involvement

Student participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) School Breakfast Program is associated with increased academic grades and standardized test scores, reduced absenteeism, and improved cognitive performance (e.g., memory). Similarly, students who are physically active in school tend to have better grades, school attendance, and classroom behaviors (e.g., on-task behavior). Finally, students who have support to manage their chronic health conditions have increased school attendance and do better academically.

Source: Journal of School Health. Critical Connections: Health and Academics.