Education Policy

"No matter how good schools are, students won't be able to learn if they're not healthy."
-- Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

Turning around low-performing schools requires a comprehensive reform strategy that includes addressing the academic and non-academic barriers that many children face. We support making health an essential part of any education reform discussion; school-based health centers are uniquely positioned to speak for the comprehensive approach. Research confirms common sense: healthy students make better learners. Too many young people face medical, mental health and dental challenges that prevent them from learning.

Our Positions and Priorities
Current Legislation
Bills NASBHC Supports
Archives

Positions and Priorities

School-Based Health Centers in Education Reform
Education Reform Fact Sheet

Policy Statements
Documentation of the Relationship Between School-Based Health Centers and the Academic Accomplishments of Students
Current national educational policies, such as the No Child Left Behind Act, are increasingly exerting pressure upon schools to document improvements in student achievement. With increasing competition for limited school resources, the continued vitality and viability of school programs, such as SBHCs, may depend upon their ability to demonstrate their contribution toward academic success.

Public Comments and Testimonies
School-Based Health Care in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), 3/26/10

Current Legislation

Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA):
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) (Pub.L. 89-10, 79 Stat. 27, 20 U.S.C., ch.70), is a United States federal statute enacted April 11, 1965. Reauthorized every 4 to 5 years, the current reauthorization of ESEA is the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, named and proposed by President George W. Bush. Key programs include Title I, the flagship teaching and learning program that reaches 12.5 million students in high-poverty schools. Other ESEA programs provide funds to improve teacher training, student literacy, school technology, and school safety.

Obama Administration Blueprint for Reform Full Text

Bills NASBHC Supports

The Full Service Community Schools Act of 2011
The Full Service Community Schools Act of 2011 (HR 1090, S. 585) is an amendment bill of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). This bill would authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to one or more community-based, nonprofit, or other public or private entities to assist public elementary or secondary schools to function as full-service community schools. Among other benefits of this initiative, this would require such schools to participate in community-based efforts to coordinate and integrate education, developmental, family, health and other comprehensive services, such as school-based health centers, through community-based organizations and public and private partnerships.

The DIPLOMA Act
The Developing Innovative Partnerships and Learning Opportunities that Motivate
Achievement (DIPLOMA) Act authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants and subgrants to local educational agencies and community partners to (1) ensure the academic, physical, social, emotional and civic development of disadvantaged youth and (2) strengthen their families and communities. This requires eligible states to develop and implement a state child and youth strategy that assesses children’s needs and assets within the state to ensure that (1) children are ready for school, (2) students are engaged and achieving in school, (3) students are physically, mentally, socially and emotionally healthy, (4) schools and neighborhoods are safe and provide positive climate for learning, (5) families are supportive and engaged in their children’s education, (6) students are ready for postsecondary education and 21st Century careers, and (7) students are contributing to their communities.

Supporting Community Schools Act of 2011
The Supporting Community Schools Act of 2011 is an amendment to Part A of Title of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) authorizing local educational agencies to transform schools needing improvement into community schools, a public elementary or secondary school that partners with community-based entities to address students’ academic, health and developmental needs.

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Successful, Safe, and Healthy Students Act of 2011
The Successful, Safe and Health Student Act of 2011 (S 919) directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to states in order to develop, improve and implement state reporting and information systems that measure conditions for learning. This bill would award competitive sub-grants to local educational agencies or nonprofit organizations that use such measurement systems to make comprehensive improvements to school-level conditions for learning. This act identifies several conditions conducive to learning that are actively advanced by SBHCs, including (1) promotion of physical activity, education, fitness and nutrition, (2) promotion of mental health, (3) prevention of violence, harassment, and substance abuse among students and (4) promotion of safe and supportive schools and communities.

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