PARENT AND SCHOOL PERSONNEL PERCEPTION OF THE PRACTICE OF SCHOOL-BASED BODY MASS INDEX NOTIFICATION

Abstract

School districts are charged with the task of providing America’s youth with the most well-rounded education so that they can grow into the most productive adult citizens. However, school funding cuts and the unending demand to make AYP often push students out of the center of that focus. As a result, matters like school-based Body Mass Index notifications have been moved to the backburner and are often simplified to only what the law requires. Although researchers have sought the best practice to address this cause, it still remains that those not directly involved in the process are designing and implementing regulations. The perceptions of parents and school personnel are not being addressed. As a result, this exploratory, single-case, qualitative study, researched the best school-based body mass index notification practice according to the perspective of eleven total parents and school personnel. These participants were from a school in Southeastern Pennsylvania, whose process is mandated by the state. Based on the findings, it is recommended that schools collaborate with parents to establish the most informative notification letter that meets their needs, rather than simply address the requirements of the state’s mandate. This collaboration must be inviting and easy to enter into and the findings need to be implemented, instead of just gathered and recorded. Prior notification must also be improved and supplemental materials need to be included in the mailing.