Implications of student health problems on achievement and engagement

Abstract

Healthy students are better learners. Establishing positive school climates where students are healthy, engaged, and prepared to learn is a critical component in increasing student engagement and closing the achievement gap. As such, educators need to be aware of the impact of education-related outcomes on student outcomes and schools' ability to provide support to students in order to maximize their ability to be successful. The purpose of the current paper is to present prevalence data on student health problems, discuss the effects of student health problems on student achievement and engagement, and present recommendations for school psychologists and educators to address student health problems within the school setting.

Keywords::

• student health problems
• academic achievement
• health related interventions

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Tamika P. La Salle

Dr. Tamika P. La Salle received her PhD in school psychology from Georgia State University and joined the faculty at UConn in 2013 as an assistant professor. Her primary areas of research interest include culturally responsive education practices, school climate and the interrelationships of cultural and ecological variables including the community, family, and school on student outcomes. Dr. La Salle is also interested in access to education for students with disabilities.

Lisa M. Hagermoser Sanetti

Lisa M. Hagermoser Sanetti, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Neag School of Education and a Research Scientist with the Center for Behavioral Education and Research (CBER) at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Sanetti's primary areas of research interest include implementation science and coordinated school health.