A healthy school community: Observations from a predominantly African American public high school

Research has suggested that a healthy school community can promote student achievement and the well-being of students and staff. Underserved students placed at risk for school failure are especially in need of a healthy school environment.

Evans High School (pseudonym) has a 95.9% African American student population. Evans is a public school in a jurisdiction where 26% of schools are listed as “Identified for Improvement” by the State Department of Education; however, Evans is not on the list.

The purpose of this session is to present case study observations of a school that is “beating the odds” in the level of attainment of school health. The researcher is an outside observer. School health is measured by academic achievement and student attendance. Healthy school community is indicated by the quality of interactions and morale.

Sources of observations, interactions, and data include:

Information presented in Instructional Management Team meetings from October 2009 to May 2010;

Meetings and interactions with the Principal, Instructional Coordinator, and other school faculty and staff;

Observations in several classrooms; and

Data from the State Department of Education.

Findings include observations regarding the methods, actions, and interactions of school Principal and staff that appear to contribute to school health and a healthy school community.

Improvements in the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program including the In-School Suspension component seems to be an area of need which could support and strengthen school health, and yield substantial overall benefits to the school.