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MILWAUKEE (3/14/2007) - E-learning programs help educate students about healthy living behaviors
The Milwaukee Public School District has implemented www.BlueKids.org's e-learning programs into its elementary and middle school classrooms to help educate students about developing healthy behaviors.
BlueKids.org's Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs II program, designed for students in grades 6 through 8, covers topics such as peer pressure, gateway drugs, risk taking and decision making. Energy Extreme, the latest BlueKids.org e-learning offering, teaches students in grades 4 and 5 about the six body systems and nutrition. The programs were developed by the experts at Children's Health Education Center, a member of Children's Hospital and Health System.
The programs address a concern outlined by parents in a Public Policy Forum survey last year: 59 percent of MPS parents said student use of alcohol or illegal drugs was among the biggest problems facing MPS. The survey also found that 84 percent of respondents considered it "extremely important" for MPS to provide drug and alcohol prevention education.
"Our students today face tougher social decisions and we need to give them tools to learn about healthy behaviors," said Dave Braby, acting curriculum specialist for health, physical education and drug free schools for Milwaukee Public Schools. "The interactive nature of BlueKids.org e-learning programs helps strengthen students' decision-making skills and maintain their interest – making them more likely to understand and retain the risks of use and abuse. In addition, implementing these programs into our schools is consistent with MPS's commitment to incorporating technology into the classroom."
Teachers will be able to track students' progress with the online program easily and integrate the flexible programs into their curricula. Online access will give students and teachers updated information their textbooks often lack and eliminate the need for costly technology infrastructure.
"BlueKids.org e-learning programs fill a critical gap in the educational needs of today's schools," said Theresa Reagan, executive director of CHEC. "BlueKids.org e-learning programs provide an affordable health education option to schools that is not only engaging and effective, but also meets state and federal education standards."
BlueKids.org is the only supplier of K-8 health education programs developed by a nationally renowned children's hospital, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. The connection to one of the nation's top pediatric hospitals ensures that the content of BlueKids.org e-learning programs is medically grounded and up-to-date.
West Allis-West Milwaukee School District is among other districts in the state using the programs.
CHEC, a member of Children's Hospital and Health System, offers resources and programs for children, teachers, parents and caregivers to help keep kids healthy and safe. Last year, more than 90,000 children and adults experienced the center's high-energy health education, including popular field trips, outreach programs and e-learning programs. For more information, visit CHEC at www.BlueKids.org.
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