Healthy
It makes sense that for students to learn at high levels, they must first be healthy. Students who are sick, who come to school hungry, who can't breathe because of asthma, who can't see the blackboard because of poor vision, or who can't concentrate because of pervasive toothaches or depression are unlikely to do well academically.
Over the past few decades, a steady and dramatic increase in obesity has occurred throughout the entire U.S. population, particularly among children and youth. Currently, one third of American children and youth are either obese or at risk of becoming obese. Over the past 30 years, the obesity rate has nearly tripled for children ages 2-5 years (from 5 to 14 percent) and youth ages 12-19 years (from 5 to 17 percent), and quadrupled for children ages 6-11 years (from 4 to 19 percent) (Institute of Medicine Report Brief). The National Governors Association, representing all 50 of the nation's governors, says: "The prevalence of obesity among U.S. students contributes to poor academic performance, increases health and education costs, and threatens to constrain state budgets and economic growth."
Many school districts do not offer healthy environments that nurture learning. Challenges include the prevalence of unhealthy food choices in schools, the elimination of health education and physical education classes, and the abandonment of recess. For instance, nearly 40 percent of elementary schools have eliminated or are considering eliminating recess, according to the National PTA, even though 75 percent of parents and teachers think elementary school recess should be mandatory (Rescuing Recess-National PTA).
To ensure that all students are healthy, ASCD recommends, at a minimum:
- A school health advisory council with students, family, community, and business members
- Students be routinely screened for immunizations, vision, hearing, dental, and orthopedic concerns
- PE and health classes emphasize lifetime healthy behaviors
- Healthy food choices are available at school
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Find resources to strengthen your school and community's commitment to health.