Dear New Trier News,

I write in response to your Tinkle Times article (Friday April 17).

The one sided nature of the article, and the take away message from it were disappointing and undermine my efforts as a health teacher. Using the YRBS data is a crucial method that I use to inform students of the prevalence of certain choices taken by our students.

YRBS data enables me to address the issue of perceptions v. actual behavior.

It allows me to identify ways in which our population is more and less healthy than the Illinois teen population.

The data allows us to target our efforts and support services to those students that are most in need of help.

Over time, my questioning of students suggests that the message IS getting through. Our students are better informed, and better equipped to make healthier choices.

For more information regarding the value of YRBS data in my classroom please check out my latest blog post: https://tools2engage.wordpress.com/2015/04/10/using-yrbs-statistics-in-health-education/

Thank you for your time.

Mr. Andrew Milne