The proposed Bill No. 5883 aims to amend Title 10 of the general statutes to enhance the implementation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) framework within the education system. The bill mandates the Department of Education and local and regional boards of education to undertake several actions, including mapping relevant policies according to the WSCC domains, identifying strengths and gaps in current policies, and evaluating opportunities to discontinue policies that are duplicative or ineffective. Additionally, the bill seeks to broaden the definition of "wellness" to encompass the whole child, designate coordinators for wellness teams, and expand the membership of these teams to ensure diverse representation.
The bill introduces new legal language that emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to student wellness and the integration of various educational and health policies. It does not specify any deletions from current law, indicating a focus on adding new requirements rather than removing existing provisions. Overall, the bill is designed to foster a more holistic and coordinated approach to student health and wellness in schools, aligning with contemporary public health frameworks.