Health: Making the Connection Between Health
and Academic Achievement
Evidence
is mounting that academic performance largely
depends on whether students are safe, drug-free,
healthy, and resilient. Ten years ago, this
connection was not well-documented, but extensive
research now demonstrates the link between
health (as well as school health programs)
and academic achievement.
Schools can serve as important settings in which agencies can work together
to maintain the well-being of young people. However, schools by themselves
cannot address the nation’s most serious health and social problems,
and they should not be expected to without the help of collaborative partnerships.
The NEA Health Information Network, along with many other organizations, provides
key resources and tools to help schools and communities work together to provide
high quality and timely health programs and services to students.
Related
Resources:
- The
Coordinated School Health Model is
a framework consisting of eight interactive
components that can help schools engage
a network of students, families, communities,
and other partners to improve the health
of students through schools. Academic
achievement has been linked to every
component of the coordinated school health
model. Learn
more.
- Linking
Health & Academic Success. Positive
health status has been linked to many
spects of acadmic achievement including
improved test scores, retention and decreased
absenteeism. See the link for yourself
with this summary of quick facts and
resources that address heatlh issues
that impact academic achievement. Learn
More.
- Promoting
Free and Low-Cost Health Insurance for
Kids Through Schools. Each day,
teachers, school nurses, principals and
school administrators witness the consequences
of inadequate access to medical care.
Often, students do not even have the
medical care they need for common childhood
illnesses, such as sore throats, earaches,
and asthma. Schools can play an essential
role in connecting students and their
families with low and no-cost health
insurance through school-based enrollment
and promotional activities. Learn
more.