Did You Know?

The annual per child cost for a high-quality, comprehensive full-day, full-year early childhood education program is $13,000. The average annual cost per prisoner in the United States is $22,650.

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Horseshoes and Hand Grenades

Whole child education isn't easy. Sometimes even with all the right intentions we fall short of the mark. Like when we fund athletic programs by selling candy. Or when we mandate community service instead of engaging students in real service learning. Or when we extend the school day with drill and kill "tutoring" instead of enrichment, project-based learning, or a host of other activities that have a direct positive impact on achievement.

Perhaps most dangerous is when we set state, provincial, and district policies—again, often with good intentions—that not only fail to support the whole child, but negatively impact his or her success. For instance, several states now implement body mass index (BMI) measurement programs as a strategy to fight rising levels of obesity in children. On the surface, this makes good sense, as the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends yearly measurement, and schools are a logical place to do it. However, schools are unlikely to have the capacity to treat obesity, and there is very little evidence that measuring BMI in this way leads to improvement or is cost effective. What is evident is that, too often, this measure is used to punish, categorize, and bully the very children it is supposed to help. Learn more about BMI measurement in schools.

Another good example is the use of metal detectors in schools. In the wake of horrific, terrifying school shootings, districts around the United States added metal detectors at school entrances as a deterrent to those who might be carrying weapons. Many adults in schools and surrounding communities feel safer as a result of this strategy. Yet, no less authorities than the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Education say that metal detectors are unlikely to prevent a serious incident of school violence. Rather, they suggest that schools create a climate of safety and respect, free from bullying and filled with opportunities for adults and students to have meaningful relationships and open communication.

» No, whole child education is not easy, and coming close doesn't quite count. We need your voice to speak out for real policy changes to ensure that each child is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. Visit the Policy Blackboard, and use our advocacy tips in your community!

Real Stories

"We have a daily social skills webcast that hundreds of students watch everyday in our district. The webcast takes only a minute each day and the teachers usually play it more than once and then talk with their classes about what was discussed. We are seeing students refer to the program when dealing with each other and also reference it when asking teachers for help."

—Rusty M., Chico, CA

Comment on Rusty's story and read many more.

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» Share your story to tell us what's working and what's not working in your community.

“In an educational setting where there is a climate of safety, adults and students respect each other. This climate is defined and fostered by students having a positive connection to at least one adult in authority. In such a climate, students develop the capacity to talk and openly share their concerns without fear of shame and reprisal.”

—Threat Assessment in Schools: A Guide to Managing Threatening Situations and to Creating Safe School Climates, p. 6

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