California Healthy Kids Survey

The California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) is a modular, anonymous assessment recommended for students age 10 (grade 5) and above. It is focused on the five most important areas for guiding school and student improvement:

  • student connectedness, learning engagement/motivation, and attendance;
  • school climate, culture, and conditions;
  • school safety, including violence perpetration and victimization/bullying;
  • physical and mental well-being and social-emotional learning; and
  • student supports, including resilience-promoting developmental factors (caring relationships, high expectations, and meaningful participation).

CHKS is sponsored by the California Department of Education (CDE). This is a very important survey that will help promote better health and well-being among our youth, improve the school learning environment, and combat problems such as drug abuse and violence. Participation is voluntary and requires parent/guardian permission.

Survey Content. The survey gathers information on developmental supports provided to youth; school connectedness and barriers to learning, as well as behaviors such as physical activity and nutritional habits; alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use; and school safety.
You may examine the questionnaire in the school office. The results from this survey are compiled into district- and county-level CHKS Reports. To view a copy of your district’s report, go to https://calschls.org/reports-data/search-lea-reports/ (outside source) and type in the district name: Santee.

It is Voluntary. Students who, with your permission, agree to participate do not have to answer any questions they do not want to answer, and may stop taking the survey at any time.

It is Anonymous. No names are recorded or attached to the survey forms or data. The results will be made available for analysis only under strict confidentiality controls.

Administration. The survey will be administered within the following time frame, March 6th – March 22nd, 2024. For exact dates please contact your school administrator.

Potential Risks. There are no known risks of physical harm to your child. Risks of psychological or social harm are very small. None have been reported in 22 years of survey administration. In rare instances, some discomfort might be experienced from the questions. The school’s counseling services will be available to answer any personal questions that may materialize.

For Further Information. The survey was developed for the CDE by WestEd, a public, non-profit educational institution. If you have any questions about this survey, or about your rights, call the Director, Community Collaborative, Janessa Nedney, at 619-258-2345 or email [email protected].