Constance W. Burnes, Instructional Superintendent 

The Student Support Services division of Birmingham City Schools is committed to ensuring that our students have resources and necessary supports to foster and optimize learning. Student Support Services advocates the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model. Research shows the health and well-being of a child is a direct link to their academic success. Through strong collaborations, best practices, procedures, and positive relationships, our goal is to foster environments where each child in our schools and community is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and afforded the opportunity for a well-rounded education.

The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child, or WSCC model, is CDC’s framework for addressing health in schools.   The WSCC model is student-centered and emphasizes the role of the community in supporting the school, the connections between health and academic achievement and the importance of evidence-based school policies and practices. The WSCC model has 10 components:

1. Physical education and physical activity.

2. Nutrition environment and services.

3. Health education.

4. Social and emotional climate.

5. Physical environment.

6. Health services.

7. Counseling, psychological and social services.

8. Employee wellness.

9. Community involvement.

10. Family engagement.

Learn more at the CDC here.