Critical Connections: Health and Academics. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Michael, Shannon L.; Merlo, Caitlin L.; Basch, Charles E.; Wentzel, Kathryn R.; Wechsler, Howell
• Is Part Of: Journal of school health. Volume 85:Number 11(2015:Nov.)
• Page Start: 740
• Page End: 758
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: School health services -- Periodicals; School children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; School Health Services -- Periodicals; Health Education -- Periodicals; 371.71
• DOI: 10.1111/josh.12309
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4391

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="josh12309-abs-0001"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <sec id="josh12309-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>BACKGROUND</title> <p id="josh12309-para-0001">While it is a national priority to support the health and education of students, these sectors must better align, integrate, and collaborate to achieve this priority. This article summarizes the literature on the connection between health and academic achievement using the Whole School, Whole Community, and Whole Child (WSCC) framework as a way to address health‐related barriers to learning.</p> </sec> <sec id="josh12309-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>METHODS</title> <p id="josh12309-para-0002">A literature review was conducted on the association between student health and academic achievement.</p> </sec> <sec id="josh12309-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>RESULTS</title> <p id="josh12309-para-0003">Most of the evidence examined the association between student health behaviors and academic achievement, with physical activity having the most published studies and consistent findings. The evidence supports the need for school health services by demonstrating the association between chronic conditions and decreased achievement. Safe and positive school environments were associated with improved health behaviors and achievement. Engaging families and community members in schools also had a positive effect on students' health and achievement.</p> </sec> <sec id="josh12309-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> <p id="josh12309-para-0004">Schools can improve the health and learning of students by supporting opportunities to learn about and practice healthy behaviors, providing school health services, creating safe and positive school environments, and engaging families and community. This evidence supports WSCC as a potential framework for achieving national educational and health goals.</p> </sec> </abstract>