Date of Award
5-1935
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
First Advisor
C. W. Street
Keywords
Health, Education, Kansas, Galena.
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to plan a definite health education program for the Elementary Schools of Galena. This program to be adjusted to the needs of the pupils.
Preliminary work in developing the program involved the following: a study of the health work being done in other schools; making a survey of the health work already being carried on in the Galena Schools; studying the health problems of the teachers; making a physical examination of each pupil; and giving a health knowledge test to selected grades.
The "Health Inspection Bulletin" developed for the Detroit School System was used as a basis for making the physical examination. This bulletin was slightly altered so as to meet local conditions.
Physical examinations were made in 1932 and again in 1934. The last examination was made to determine if there had been a decrease in the number of physical defects.
The Gates-Strang Health Knowledge Test was used for Measuring the Health Knowledge of the pupils. This test was given 1n 1932 and again in 1934 for purposes of comparison.
On the basis of data obtained in the preliminary work a definite health education program for each grade was evolved.
The results obtained from the study seem to warrant making the following statements:
1. Today emphasis is being placed on keeping well rather than merely being cured when sick. The program for health education as outlined in this study has met this important need by providing the pupils with information on how to keep well and by developing desirable health ideals, attitudes and habits.
2. A health program would be incomplete if only information were stressed. In this program the formation of those habits essential to the health of the child after he has ceased to be a member of the school, as well as those needed now, has been stimulated.
3. The specific health education program as planned for the Galena Elementary Schools is sufficiently broad, and yet detailed, that it can advantageously be used by administrators of other schools.
4. Some type of medical aid for poverty stricken families should be provided by the State or Federal Government. It is the obligation of society to assist in obtaining the benefits and satisfactions of a normal, happy, wholesome and abundant life.
5. Failure to obtain desirable results in eradicating physical defects was due to the economic status of some of the parents and the indifference of others.
6. The health education program should begin not later than the first grade and should continue on through the grades.
7. A definite health education program should be developed and extended to all grades in all of the schools of Kansas.
8. Teachers and pupils have developed a "health consciousness" as a result of our health education program. Many parents too, have become interested in the health conditions of our schools and pupils.
9. Recognizing the beneficial results obtained from the health program in the grades the writer and nursery school teachers are at present working on an extensive health program for the pupils in the Federal Nursery School established here in Galena.
10. While little improvement was made in actual eradication of physical defects a substantial increase in health knowledge has resulted in each grade.
11. This study showed that health teaching did not result in an immediate change in the physical status of the pupil. The living conditions of the future should be bettered, however, by the additional gain in health knowledge on the part of these people. The conditions of the future will depend on the intelligent effort of future citizens, on their working for the public good, and on their support of proper legislation. A health program that can stimulate the formation of ideals and attitudes for bettering civilization has gone a step forward in advancing mankind.
Recommended Citation
Whitehead, James J., "Health education program for the Galena, Kansas, elementary schools" (1935). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 741.
https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/etd/741
