Benefits of Coordinated School Health

SUMMARY OF SELECTED EVIDENCE-BASED RESEARCH FROM HEALTHY KIDS LEARN BETTER AND MAKING THE CONNECTION: HEALTH AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

The purpose of this fact sheet is to summarize the available evidence linking coordinated school health programs and academic achievement/outcomes. For additional information concerning any of the cited studies, readers should consult the relevant articles listed at the end of this summary. More detailed reviews of the evidence supporting the benefits of coordinated school health programs are available through the first two references listed in the endnotes: Healthy Kids Learn Better and Making the Connection: Health and Student Achievement.

OVERALL BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH A COORDINATED SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM

• Improved student performance and test scores
• Decreased risky behaviors
• Reduced drop out rates
• Less absenteeism
• Less fighting
• Improved rates of physical activity Schools
• Save money
• Reduce duplication
• Reduce absenteeism
• Improve staff morale
• Support teacher teamwork

Overview of Benefits of Comprehensive School Health and Achievement (PDF)

For additional information, E-Mail: washington_j@cde.state.co.us