HSC Releases Recommendations for Education Policy that Supports Health and Wellness

April 19, 2011 | Written By: Healthy Schools Campaign

In the report “Healthier Students Are Better Learners: A Missing Link in School Reforms to Close the Achievement Gap,” [pdf] professor Charles Basch identifies seven health issues that have a direct impact on a student’s ability to learn. The title truly does summarize his excellent report in five words: healthier students are better learners.

At Healthy Schools Campaign, we believe that this simple fact is key to education reform. In our efforts to support quality education, we cannot ignore the health of our students. When we define successful schools, we must include measures of healthy environments, access to healthy food and physical activity. We must provide educators with the knowledge and skills they need to support student health and wellness in the classroom.

Today, we are pleased to release our education policy recommendations [pdf], specifically supporting reform for the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Blue Ribbon Schools Program. We invite you to take a look and to read through our recommendations [pdf]. If you agree that education policy should support student health and wellness, please take a moment to add your name to our petition.

Healthier students truly are better prepared to focus, learn and succeed in school. Please join us in urging our leaders to recognize the connection between health and learning by making student wellness a priority in efforts to reform education.