Eventually, the system came to need comprehensive programs for men.
Recent research suggests that comprehensive programs that connect with academic standards have a better chance of success.
But that approach no longer seems to be working, especially now that other nations have developed comprehensive programs.
In Arkansas, which has one of the most comprehensive programs aimed at the problem, obesity among the 450,000 children in 1,300 public schools has plateaued.
Very few countries "have adequate and comprehensive programs for renewable energy, " Mr. Scheer said, "The others do not, and they need them urgently".
White House officials argue that in any case it is prudent to start with such tests, and that many could be expanded to more comprehensive programs.
"There are comprehensive programs in place now that ensure everyone receives the appropriate training, and reviews and follows" the standard operating procedures, he said.
Throughout the world, lakes important enough to warrant study have been sounded, and many nations have completed comprehensive programs to determine the bathymetry of large numbers of lakes.
A surprisingly large number of teachers in "comprehensive" programs (few of which are particularly comprehensive) told researchers in one study that the message they want their students to take home is not to have sex.
To control recidivism, and thus have a shot at controlling prison crowding and costs, the states and localities need to develop comprehensive programs that help former inmates find jobs, housing, training, drug treatment and mental health care.
Without comprehensive programs to contain those diseases and reduce the death rate, Dr. Feshbach said, Russia risks a dwindling labor pool and further declines in the size of its armed forces in the decades ahead.
