Schools play a critical role in providing supports and services that promote healthy development and equitable outcomes for children and youth. Two new Child Trends briefs from Deborah Temkin, Kristen Harper, and Cassidy Guros explore the ways in which creating healthy schools can help address racial inequities in education and in broader society.
The first brief identifies existing racial inequities across health systems, public education, juvenile justice, environmental conditions, and family income and provides strategies for schools to improve the conditions, cultures, and practices that may exacerbate these inequities.
The second brief highlights several areas of education inequity linked to health and well-being, including chronic absenteeism, school violence and discipline, and school infrastructure. The brief also describes how reforms to increase access to health services, improve overall school climate, and prioritize teachers’ needs can proactively address students’ and educators’ health needs to build healthier, more equitable schools.
