California Healthy Kids Survey Administered
this Fall

In California, districts and county offices of education that accept funds under the federal No Child Left Behind Act's Title IV Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities (SDFSC) program or the state Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) program must administer the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) at least once every two years. The CHKS is also required by schools that have afterschool programs funded under the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, as part of their evaluation efforts.

What is the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS)?
The CHKS is a comprehensive youth self-report data collection system that provides essential and reliable health risk assessment and resilience information to schools, districts, and communities. Targeted at grades 5, 7, 9 and 11, the survey enables schools and communities to collect and analyze valuable data regarding local youth health risks, assets, and behaviors. The survey is a powerful tool that can help schools and districts meet all the new assessment requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) for Title IV Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities by accurately identifying areas of strength and weakness. It is designed to be part of a comprehensive data-driven decision making process to help guide the development of more effective health, prevention, and youth development programs.

How often is the CHKS administered?
Every two years. The 2006-07 school year is a survey year.

Which students are surveyed?
Students in grades 5, 7, 9 and 11, and all students in alternative education.

When will the CHKS be administered?
Late October and early November 2006.

What else should I know about the CHKS?
The survey is in full compliance with all California and federal regulations.

Participation is anonymous, confidential and voluntary. No student in the selected classroom is required to take the survey. Even if parents consent, the student can refuse. Nor does he/she have to answer every question once the survey has begun.

Parents may view the survey instruments at Education Services at 2010 W. Swain Road.

Parental written consent is required only for grades below 7th; however, any parent may opt a student out of the survey by writing a note to the school, calling the district Education Services office at (209)953-8714, or e-mailing sfite@lusd.net.

(The CHKS and this notice complies with Board Policy - Administrative Regulation 5022; Education Code Sections 51513 and 51938; US Code, Title 20, 1232h, and the Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA). For more information on the survey, you may visit www.wested.org/pub/docs/chks_surveys.html)