February 14, 2022 – 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

8:30– 9:45 a.m.

General Session Speaker: Physical Activity and Mental Health

Steven Petruzzello, Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois

It is critical that we talk about physical activity and mental health across the lifespan, with discussion of the importance of increasing physical activity and the concomitant influences that would have on mental health

10:00 – 11:00 am

Challenges for State Leadership in Serving as Ambassadors for Health Literacy

Panel Moderator: Fran Anthony Meyer, Executive Director, Society of State Leaders of Health and Physical Education

Panelists: Ellen Essick, Section Chief, Healthy Schools & Specialized Support, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction; Lori Paisley, Senior Director, District Operations, Tennessee Department of Education; Therese McGuire, Program Specialist, Health & Physical Education, Georgia Department of Education; Jonathan Thompson, Specialist, Health Education, Physical Education & Adapted Physical Education, Alabama Department of Education

Today, individuals working in state leadership roles face unprecedented demands. Recently, the positions have become everchanging landscapes. Individuals are expected to have broad knowledge of curriculum and their interconnections, pre-service and in-service training, student health and safety services, relevant legislation, and funding options. They are expected to unite state agencies, higher education, local schools, and non-governmental groups to produce positive outcomes. This session will share information about how state leaders effectively tackle current challenges.

11:15 am – 12:15 pm

 Lunch on Your Own

12:30 – 1:30 pm

Understanding and Appreciating Diversity and How to Apply Inclusive and Equitable Practices

Fran Anthony Meyer, Executive Director, Society of State Leaders of Health and Physical Education

Tarin Hampton, Professor/Department Chair, Health, Physical Education & Exercise Science, Norfolk State University

This interactive session will allow participants to explore their personal knowledge of and attitudes about diversity issues within their environment. They will explain ways the diversity has impacted their lives. They also will identify a conceptual framework for understanding dimensions of diversity among individuals and within specific populations. Further, participants will learn about strategies for increasing their ability to be inclusive and impartial when interacting with students, faculty, family, or community members.

1:45 – 2:45 p.m.

Erin’s Law: The Power of Prevention

Lori Paisley, Senior Director, District Operations, Tennessee Department of Education

Erin’s Law requires states to study or implement a child sexual abuse prevention program. We teach our students how to respond to weather emergencies and security threats, but we must do more to teach our students personal body safety and age-appropriate ways to recognize child sexual abuse and to tell a trusted adult. Among cases of child sexual abuse reported to law enforcement, 93% are known to the victim. Educating students at different age levels on this sensitive topic can be difficult. Ensuring that our schools have the resources they need to educate students, school staff and parents will improve prevention and response.

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

What is a Green Ribbon School?

Jonathan Thompson, Specialist, Health Education, Physical Education & Adapted Physical Education, Alabama Department of Education

Michal Robinson, Alabama Department of Education

Explore the U.S. Department of Education’s three achievement areas, also known as pillars. These pillars provide collaborative structures for educators, families, and community partners to cultivate equitable, culturally based, socio-ecological systems learning and sustainable decision-making utilizing “field based” science education. Via these school-based partnerships, students engage in STEM, civics-based, and green career pathways activities that emphasize reducing environmental impact and costs, improving health and wellness, and creating effective, sustainable methods that positively impact the environment.

4:15 – 5:15 p.m.

 Leveraging Partnerships: Building the Capacity for Success

Therese McGuire, Program Specialist, Health & Physical Education, Georgia Department of Education

Georgia’s partnership began in response to a need around improving student fitness in schools. Its success has been recognized nationally and continues to grow. This session will chronicle how partners from education, public health, universities, non-profits and philanthropic entities came together and continue to work together.

February 15, 2022 – 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

8:30– 9:45 a.m.

General Session Speaker: Re-imagining Health Literacy: Keeping Our Focus and Moving Forward

Michelle Hutchinson, Health Literacy Lead, Office of Communication Science, Office of the Associate Director or Communication, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The definition of health literacy has changed over the decades, but one thing has remained the same: The majority of adults struggle to understand and use personal and public health information. Research shows that limited health literacy affects people’s ability to search for and use health information, adopt healthy behaviors, and act on important public health alerts. Limited health literacy is also associated with worse health outcomes and higher costs to the healthcare system.

Healthcare organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, companies, and professionals that share health information with the public have an obligation to make that information easy to find, understand, and use so people can make informed health-related decisions and take action.

In this exciting, interactive keynote address, Dr. Hutchinson will discuss how health literacy definitions have changed, how you can build a health-literate organization, and how different sectors can work together to meet the health literacy needs of different audiences. She will also share health literacy success stories and what we can do to keep moving forward. By the end of this keynote address, you'll be energized for the day ahead and eager to lead health literacy initiatives in your workplace or community.

TBA

Teaching and Practicing Social Justice through Dance

Tarin Hampton, Professor/Department Chair, Health, Physical Education & Exercise Science, Norfolk State University

Fran Anthony Meyer, Executive Director, Society of State Leaders of Health and Physical Education

More to come on this and other sessions