Extensive research shows the continued presence of the achievement gap in the United States, drawing links predominantly between the quality of schools and children’s poorer academic performance (see here and here). However, a growing body of research suggests several health factors are being neglected consistently, while disproportionately negatively impacting school-aged children, especially low-income, urban minority youth (see here). Prominent psychologists, Miranda et al. (2009) conclude that “no matter how well teachers are prepared to teach, no matter what accountability measures are put in place, no matter what governing structures are established for schools, educational progress will be profoundly limited if students are not motivated and able to learn”. Ensuring children are motivated to learn is essential for their ability to work hard and succeed in a school environment, and beyond.
Miranda et al. (2009) propose seven primary educationally relevant health factors that adversely affect children’s motivation and therefore inhibit their enthusiasm and ambition to learn. However, they argue if these health factors are correctly addressed it will substantially help narrow the achievement gap. These health factors include vision, asthma, teenage pregnancy, aggression and violence, physical activity, breakfast, and inattention and hyperactivity. Each of these factors has been found to most significantly influence sensory perceptions, cognition, school connectedness, absenteeism, and dropping out, ultimately contributing to the persisting achievement gap between low-income minority youth, and high-income white youth.
https://www.bwrsd.org/domain/1290
While many schools have access to either an onsite health service or some form of a school nurse, the quality varies drastically according to the school’s access to capital. Unfortunately, the schools with the highest demand from students for additional health services are the schools with the most limited access to resources. Research shows the most prominent reasons for a child or adolescent fatality is due to “unintentional injuries and violence, alcohol and drug use, sexual risk behaviour, tobacco use, physical inactivity, and poor eating habits”. If children at low-income schools had greater access to mental health personnel, knowledge about physical activity and eating, and appropriate resources for handling violence and abuse, the above health-related incidents could be more frequently avoided.
Miranda et al. (2009) advocate for a coordinated approach necessitating “programs and services involving different groups of people, playing different roles, but forming a team and working towards a common set of priority goals”. More specifically, there has to be an active and effective communication channel between policymakers, health care systems, media, legislators, and families, as well as a greater understanding of the roles each profession plays in reducing and preventing health factors that negatively impact children’s academic performance.
Basch, Charles E. “Healthier students are better learners: A missing link in school reforms to close the achievement gap.” Journal of school health 81.10 (2011): 593-598.
Overall, it is evident that health factors adversely impact children in schools, especially low-income, urban minority youth; however, these factors are frequently neglected. The United States as a nation, as well as the general public, have to accept joint responsibility for trying to decrease the cyclical causes of the achievement disparities.
Post By: Sophie Wood