Leading and Supporting the Implementation of the Norwegian Network of Health Promoting Schools

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine how program leaders in the Norwegian Network of Health Promoting Schools managed, facilitated, and supported the development and implementation of the health promotion initiatives at their school. Two focus group interviews were conducted with 10 program leaders. The findings suggest that the implementation of the program was enhanced when the program leader was part of the school leadership group. The program leaders stated that the vision, aims, and content of the health promotion program were generally similar to those of their schools, making it easier for them to motivate teachers to participate. They also acknowledged the positive effect of learning through collaboration within schools and between schools in the network.

Keywords:

• health promotion
• educational development
• principals
• leadership

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nina Grieg Viig

Nina Grieg Viig, Faculty of Education, Bergen University College

Elisabeth Fosse

Elisabeth Fosse, Department of Health Promotion and Development, University of Bergen

Oddrun Samdal

Oddrun Samdal, Department of Health Promotion and Development, University of Bergen

Bente Wold

Bente Wold, Department of Health Promotion and Development, University of Bergen.