Evidence is mounting that
meeting the basic developmental needs of students–ensuring that they are
safe, drug-free, healthy, and resilient–is central to improving their academic
performance. Ten years ago, this was a hard truth to sell, but extensive
evidence is now available to demonstrate the link between health, as well
as school health programs, to academic achievement.
Schools can provide a critical
venue in which many agencies might work together to maintain the well-being
of young people. However, schools by themselves cannot, and should not be
expected to, address the nation’s most serious health and social problems.
NEA Health Information
Network and many other organizations and agencies are working to provide
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. Negative and positive health status have been linked
to many spects of acadmic achievement including improved test scores,
retention, and absenteeism. See the link for yourself with this summary,
by health issue, of quick facts and resources to address heatlh issues
that impact academic achievement. Learn
More.
- Promoting Free
and Low-Cost Health Insurance for Kids Through Schools. Everyday,
teachers, school nurses, principals and school administrators witness
the effects of students not getting 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.