Virginia Coordinated School Health Leadership Institute (VCSHLI) | Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Department of Health, American Cancer Society, and Virginia Comprehensive Health Education and Training Center at Longwood University

Program Description

The Institute (1) provides in-depth professional preparation for current or future school health leaders throughout Virginia; (2) creates a staff development process and program of study that can benefit local school divisions, and (3) provides tremendous resources to support locality's school health efforts. Each team is assigned a mentor who supports them over the course of the two-year institute. Selected individuals make a commitment to complete the Institute's two-year professional preparation program; interim reports on the self-selected school health initiative, as well as an end of program presentation for other Virginia Coordinated School Health candidates. They are expected to demonstrate leadership abilities, including facilitation, organization, advocacy, managing multiple projects, and team building, as well as demonstrate a high interest and commitment to continue in a leadership role within the school division.

Virginia Standard(s) Addressed

Planning & Assessment (ISLLC standard 3)
Instructional Leadership (ISLLC standard 1)
Safety & Organizational Management for Learning (ISLLC standards 2 & 3)
Communication & Community Relations (ISLLC standard 4)
Professionalism (ISLLC standards 5 & 6)

Program Goals and Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will have developed personal and professional leadership competencies to: (1) effectively build or strengthen organizational capacity for school health programs; (2) create a strong school health team; and (3) effectively support a coordinated school health program.

Program Format

Prospective institute applicants are school and division personnel, staff and administrators responsible for a variety of disciplines including but not limited to health education, health services, healthy school environment, school nutrition, parent and community groups, physical education, health promotion for staff and counseling, psychological and social services. Each division may nominate three of is outstanding professionals to become potential Virginia Coordinated School Health Fellows. Approximately thirty candidates will be selected for the cohort. Selected candidates will work as a team within their respective school divisions during the two-year period to develop personal and professional leadership competencies while focusing on local school health issues.

Target Audience

School Personnel

Self-Selection and/or Identification Through School Division

Teams of three or more.

Duration of Program

The VCSHLI lasts two years and includes annual (2-3 day) fall and summer sessions. Phone conferences are also scheduled during this time. Nominations for the next cohort of VCSHLI Fellows will be accepted in the Fall of 2008.

Outcomes Measured

Include (1) personal knowledge, skills, and qualities for effective leadership within the local system; (2) professional leadership effectiveness plan including but not limited to: project management, developing a professional library, and documentation/evaluation; (3) ongoing activities to coordinate school health initiatives or programs within the school division; and (4) developing and implementing an advocacy plan to support the self-selected local Institute initiative or project.

Program Evaluation

Evaluations are completed at the end of each activity.

Contact Information

Caroline Fuller
Comprehensive School Health Specialist
(804) 225-2431
caroline.fuller@doe.virginia.gov

va-Lead is an exciting new joint venture between e-Lead and the Virginia State Action for Education Leadership Project (SAELP), which is funded by The Wallace Foundation and housed at Virginia Commonwealth University.