School Health Data: The Missing Link

The social and health determinants of student achievement are the missing link in school data systems. A huge knowledge gap exists of the types and frequency of school health services and their impact on child health and education. Most state and national education data sets omit school health provider intensity, credentials, and non-reimbursable care provided in schools. A few well-funded states collect comprehensive statewide school health data, but findings cannot be generalized to states without school nursing services. State and local public health systems depend on school health services to fulfill their health promotion and illness prevention mission. School health state and national data provide evidence for investing health care dollars toward school health services to achieve national goals.