Policy Statement on School Health

The vision for the nation's schools is to ensure high standards of performance for every child and prepare each child to succeed as a productive member of a democratic society. Educators throughout the country are striving to achieve this national priority. Yet, how can every child succeed when so many reach the schoolhouse door with physical and mental health challenges that impede their ability to learn and compromise their likelihood of becoming healthy, capable adults? This policy statement calls on the Council membership and their colleagues to recognize the enormous impact that health has on the academic achievement of our nation's youth. The education community must look beyond standards setting and systems of accountability and join with public and private sector mental health, health, and social services providers to address the widespread conditions that interfere with student learning and students' prospects for healthy adulthood. Policies and practices that address the health and developmental needs of young people must be included in any comprehensive strategy for improving academic performance.