The WellSAT was developed by the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity at Yale University, in consultation with an advisory board comprising experts in nutrition, physical activity, education, public policy and public health. The WellSAT is an abbreviated version of the 96-item Comprehensive Coding System to Measure the Quality of School Wellness Policies. This tool was developed by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Healthy Eating Research Program working group. Membership included Marlene Schwartz (Connecticut), Anne Lund and Mollie Greves (Washington), Elaine McDonnell and Claudia Probart (Pennsylvania), and Anne Samuelson and Leslie Lytle (Minnesota). Survey development methods for this tool can be found here. A printable copy of the WellSAT tool is available here.

Additional School Wellnes Policy Research

Bridging the Gap

Comprehensive Coding System to Measure the Quality of School Wellness Policies

Local School Wellness Policies: How are Schools Implementing the Congressional Mandate?

More Robert Wood Johnson Foundation School Wellness Policy Research

Metos J, Nanney MS. The strength of school wellness policies: one state's experience. J Sch Health. Sep 2007;77(7):367-372.

Moag-Stahlberg A, Howley N, Luscri L. A national snapshot of local school wellness policies. J Sch Health. Oct 2008;78(10):562-568.

Nanney MS, Davey C. Evaluating the distribution of school wellness policies and practices: a framework to capture equity among schools serving the most weight-vulnerable children. J Am Diet Assoc. Sep 2008;108(9):1436-1439.

Nanney MS, Nelson T, Wall M, et al. State school nutrition and physical activity policy environments and youth obesity. Am J Prev Med. Jan 2010;38(1):9-16.

Serrano E, Kowaleska A, Hosig K, Fuller C, Fellin L, Wigand V. Status and goals of local school wellness policies in Virginia: a response to the child nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004. J Nutr Educ Behav. Mar-Apr 2007;39(2):95-100.

Story M, Nanney MS, Schwartz MB. Schools and obesity prevention: creating school environments and policies to promote healthy eating and physical activity. Milbank Q. Mar 2009;87(1):71-100.

Weber JA. Measuring progress on school wellness policies: are nutrition standards making the grade? J Am Diet Assoc. Aug 2007;107(8):1293-1295.