Health and academic achievement: A survey of educator attitudes and perceptions

Objective: This study examines the perceptions of school committee members and school superintendents on health and social factors which impact academic achievement, how these factors should be addressed and the specific challenges to addressing students' social and emotional needs. Previous studies have demonstrated a positive correlation between school-based health center use and improved academic achievement and decreased school absence rates. However, little is known about educator and school administrator attitudes towards school-based health centers in this respect. Methods: A survey tool was developed. Surveys were distributed both in paper format and on-line to members of a state Coalition of School Committee members and School Superintendents. Responses were analyzed by respondent role, and demographic of the school district population served. Data was analyzed using PASW Statistics 18 software. Results: Social factors overall ranked higher than specific health factors as inhibitors to student academic achievement. Lack of parental involvement was ranked highest. There was a board range of opinion on how factors should be addressed. Time commitments in meeting accountability mandates were ranked as the greatest specific challenge to addressing students' social and emotional needs. They were also less likely to believe health related factors should be addressed in school. Common perceived obstacles to addressing students' emotional needs included lack of resources, accountability mandates, etc. Conclusions: This study offers a valuable perspective on the perceptions of educators and school administrators on the impact of school-based health centers, and the centers' role in addressing health and social factors in the school setting. This information is important in informing future dialog among educators, school administrators and school-based health center professionals on their prospective roles and potential for collaboration to address health and social factors which impact academic achievement.