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Cited by 222School Health and Nursing EducationAdolescent Health and BehaviorsChild and Adolescent Health

Critical connections: health and academics

Open access
Michael, Shannon L., Merlo, Caitlin L., Basch, Charles E., Wentzel, Kathryn R., Wechsler, Howell·2015·Journal of School Health
DOI 10.1111/josh.12309PMC PMC4606776
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: While it is a national priority to support the health and education of students, these sectors must better align, integrate, and collaborate to achieve this priority. This article summarizes the literature on the connection between health and academic achievement using the Whole School, Whole Community, and Whole Child (WSCC) framework as a way to address health‐related barriers to learning. METHODS: A literature review was conducted on the association between student health and academic achievement. RESULTS: Most of the evidence examined the association between student health behaviors and academic achievement, with physical activity having the most published studies and consistent findings. The evidence supports the need for school health services by demonstrating the association between chronic conditions and decreased achievement. Safe and positive school environments were associated with improved health behaviors and achievement. Engaging families and community members in schools also had a positive effect on students' health and achievement. CONCLUSIONS: Schools can improve the health and learning of students by supporting opportunities to learn about and practice healthy behaviors, providing school health services, creating safe and positive school environments, and engaging families and community. This evidence supports WSCC as a potential framework for achieving national educational and health goals.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This article reviews evidence linking student health and academic achievement through the Whole School, Whole Community, and Whole Child (WSCC) framework, concluding that healthy students do better in school and that schools can support both health and learning. It finds the strongest and most consistent evidence for physical activity, with additional support for nutrition, health services, safe and positive environments, and family and community engagement.

Key findings

  • Physical activity had the most published studies and most consistent findings: 28 reviews, 410 articles, and 259 unique articles; meta-analyses reported effect sizes of 0.25 to 0.38, and one review found 79% of 218 articles reported positive associations with academic achievement while 21% found null or neutral findings.
  • Nutrition evidence showed small positive associations between breakfast consumption and school breakfast programs and improved grades, standardized test scores, reduced absenteeism, and cognitive function; micronutrient supplementation had an effect size of 0.30 and iron supplementation an effect size of 0.50.
  • Health services evidence linked chronic conditions—asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, sickle cell anemia, obesity, and vision problems—with lower achievement, absenteeism, or cognitive performance; school nurses were associated with increased attendance, and smaller nurse-to-student ratios with lower absenteeism and higher graduation rates.
  • Safe and positive school climate and family/community engagement were associated with improved attendance, grades, test scores, classroom behavior, and reduced risky behaviors; parental involvement meta-analytic effect sizes ranged from 0.18 to 0.74.

Methods

  • A literature review was conducted on the association between student health and academic achievement, using the WSCC framework to organize 10 components into 4 categories.
  • Summaries were based on existing meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and unstructured literature reviews; when no review was available, the most recent evidence was used, and reviews were not available for employee wellness, physical environment, and community involvement.
  • Preparation of the article did not involve original research with human subjects.

Limitations

  • Stated: the quality of research related to health and academic achievement varies across the 10 WSCC components; when few systematic reviews were available, the authors included quantitative studies with robust designs when possible.
  • Stated: the article did not assess the relative contribution of implementing different combinations or all WSCC components, and it cannot determine where particular school districts or schools should invest limited resources.
  • Evident from the text: no reviews were found for employee wellness, physical environment, and community involvement; no evidence was available to examine the association between academic achievement and the WSCC framework as a whole; and health education curricula and instruction alone had not been directly examined.

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Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1111/josh.12309

Cites

109 of 109 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 200 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingnone given

    Safe and positive school environments were associated with improved health behaviors and academic achievement.

    “Safe and positive school environments were associated with improved health behaviors and achievement.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingnone given

    Engaging families and community members in schools had a positive effect on students' health and academic achievement.

    “Engaging families and community members in schools also had a positive effect on students' health and achievement.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingcitation

    The association between mental health and counseling services and decreased absenteeism and tardiness is inconsistent.

    “Inconsistent association between mental health and counseling services and decreased absenteeism and tardiness.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [26] Murray N Low B Hollis C Cross A Davis S Coordinated school health programs and academic achievement: a systematic review of the literature J Sch Health 2007 77 9 589 600 17970862 source

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  • Findingcitation

    Asthma on average has not been shown to affect school performance.

    “Asthma on average has not been shown to affect school performance.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [32] Suhrcke M de Pa Nieves C The Impact of Health and Health Behaviours on Educational Outcomes in High-income Countries: A Review of the Evidence 2011 Geneva, Switzerland World Health Organization

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  • Findingcitation

    Vision problems are associated with decreased standardized measures of literacy, standardized reading test scores, state basic skills test scores, reading ability, and spelling.

    “Association between vision problems and decreased standardized measures of literacy standardized reading test scores, state basic skills test, reading ability, and spelling.”
    • Also stated in: § Supporting School Health Services · plain
      “One review concluded that vision problems are associated with decreased standardized measures of literacy, standardized reading test scores, state basic skills test scores, reading ability, and spelling.63”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [63] Basch CE Vision and the achievement gap among urban minority youth J Sch Health 2011 81 10 599 605 21923871 source

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  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 13
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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Reviews were not available for employee wellness, physical environment, and community involvement.

    “Reviews were not available for employee wellness, physical environment, and community involvement.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Findingnone given

    Most of the evidence examined in this review concerned the association between student health behaviors and academic achievement, with physical activity having the most published studies and the most consistent findings.

    “Most of the evidence examined the association between student health behaviors and academic achievement, with physical activity having the most published studies and consistent findings.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Type I diabetes is associated with lower full-scale IQ, lower abstract reasoning, reduced processing speed and motor responding, poorer focused and selective attention and behavioral inhibition, and lower reading and math scores.

    “Association between type I diabetes and lower on full-scale IQ measures, lower scores on measures of abstract reasoning, reduced processing speed and motor responding, poorer performance on tasks requiring focused, selective attention, and behavioral inhibition, and lower scores in reading and math.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [61] Kucera M Sullivan AL The educational implications of types I diabetes mellitus: a review of research and recommendations for school psychological practice Psychol Sch 2011 48 6 587 603 source

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    ADHD is associated with lower cognition, increased school absenteeism, lower educational attainment, and increased odds of dropping out of school.

    “Association between ADHD and lower cognition (eg, executive functioning, memory, and understanding causal relations), increased school absenteeism), lower levels of educational attainment, and increased odds of dropping out of school.”
    • Also stated in: § Supporting School Health Services · plain
      “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has been associated with decreased cognitive functioning, increased school absenteeism, lower levels of educational attainment, and increased odds of dropping out of school.69”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [69] Basch CE Inattention and hyperactivity and the achievement gap among urban minority youth J Adolesc Health 2011 81 10 641 649 21923877

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    Counseling programs are associated with improved grades, test scores, school attendance, classroom behavior, and attitudes toward school.

    “Association between counseling programs and improved grades, test scores, school attendance, classroom behavior, and attitudes toward school.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [67] Borders LD Drury SM Comprehensive school counseling programs: a review for policymakers and practitioners J Couns Dev 1992 70 4 487 498 source

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    Universal mental health promotion programs can be effective at decreasing suspension rates, increasing positive classroom behaviors, and increasing attendance rates.

    “universal mental health promotion programs can be effective at decreasing suspension rates, increasing positive classroom behaviors, and increasing attendance rates.68”
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    • cites [68] Wells J Barlow J Stewart-Brown S A systematic review of universal approaches to mental health promotion in schools Health Educ Behav 2003 103 4 197 220 source

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    Students with asthma have lower cognitive performance and increased school absenteeism.

    “Students with asthma have been shown to have lower cognitive performance and increased school absenteeism.26,32,58,59”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [26] Murray N Low B Hollis C Cross A Davis S Coordinated school health programs and academic achievement: a systematic review of the literature J Sch Health 2007 77 9 589 600 17970862 source

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    • cites [32] Suhrcke M de Pa Nieves C The Impact of Health and Health Behaviours on Educational Outcomes in High-income Countries: A Review of the Evidence 2011 Geneva, Switzerland World Health Organization

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    • cites [58] Basch CE Asthma and the achievement gap among urban minority youth J Sch Health 2011 81 10 606 613 21923872 source

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    • cites [59] Taras H Potts-Datema W Childhood asthma and student performance at school J Sch Health 2005 75 8 296 312 16179080 source

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    Findingcitation

    Hyperactivity is associated with lower reading and mathematics test scores, increased grade repetition, and increased placement in special education.

    “Association between hyperactivity and lower reading and mathematics test scores, increased grade repetition, and increased placement in special education.”
    • Also stated in: § Supporting School Health Services · plain
      “hyperactivity has been associated with greater risk for lower reading and mathematics test scores and grade repetition.69”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [69] Basch CE Inattention and hyperactivity and the achievement gap among urban minority youth J Adolesc Health 2011 81 10 641 649 21923877

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    Findingcitation

    School climate is associated with increased self-esteem, lower drug use, fewer self-reports of psychiatric problems, better psychological well-being, decreased student absenteeism, lower rates of student suspension, and effective risk prevention.

    “Association between school climate and increased self-esteem, lower levels of drug use, fewer self-reports of psychiatric problems, better psychological well-being, decreased student absenteeism, lower rates of student suspension, and effective risk prevention.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [79] Thapa A Cohen J Guffey S Higgins-D'Alessandro A A review of school climate research Rev Educ Res 2013 83 3 357 385 source

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    Findingcitation

    School climate is associated with lower levels of absenteeism and improved academic performance and education behaviors.

    “Association between school climate and lower levels of absenteeism and improved academic performance and education behaviors.”
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    • cites [78] Cohen J McCabe EM Michelli NM Pickeral T School climate: research, policy, teacher education and practice Teach Coll Rec 2009 111 1 180 213 source

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    Findingcitation

    Students participating in physical activity had improved academic achievement including better concentration and attention, higher achievement test scores, and higher math scores compared with students who did not.

    “a recent review, based on a meta-analysis of 20 experimental studies, concluded that students participating in physical activity had improved academic achievement including better concentration and attention, higher achievement tests scores, and higher math scores compared with students who did not.15”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [15] Castelli DM Centeio EE Hwang J The history of physical activity and academic performance research: informing the future Monogr Soc Res Child Dev 2014 79 4 119 148 25387418 source

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    Findingcitation

    The association between parental involvement and academic achievement in urban elementary school children held for White and minority children and for boys and girls.

    “Association held for White and minority children and also for boys and girls.”
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    • cites [96] Jeynes WH A meta-analysis of the relation of parental involvement to urban elementary school student academic achievement Urban Educ 2005 40 3 237 269 source

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    Findingcitation

    More participation in physical education class is associated with better grades, standardized test scores, and classroom behavior.

    “more participation in physical education class is associated with better grades, standardized test scores, and classroom behavior.12,15,19,21,26,29,33,36”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [12] Basch CE Physical activity and the achievement gap among urban minority youth J Sch Health 2011 81 10 626 634 21923875 source

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    • cites [15] Castelli DM Centeio EE Hwang J The history of physical activity and academic performance research: informing the future Monogr Soc Res Child Dev 2014 79 4 119 148 25387418 source

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    • cites [19] Esteban-Cornejo I Tejero-Gonzalez CM Sallis JF Veiga OL Physical activity and cognition in adolescents: a systematic review J Sci Med Sport 2014 18 5 534 539 25108657 source

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    Food insufficiency is associated with decreased school attendance and diminished academic achievement.

    “food insufficiency is associated with decreased school attendance and diminished academic achievement.9,13,46”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [9] Bradley BJ Greene AC Do health and education agencies in the United States share responsibility for academic achievement and health? A review of 25 years of evidence about the relationship of adolescents' academic achievement and health behaviors J Adolesc Health 2013 52 5 523 532 23535065 source

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    • cites [13] Burkhalter TM Hillman CH A narrative review of physical activity, nutrition, and obesity to cognition and scholastic performance across the human lifespan Adv Nutr 2011 2 2 201S 206S 22332052 PMC3065760 source

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    • cites [46] Taras H Potts-Datema W Nutrition and student performance at school J Sch Health 2005 75 6 199 213 16014126 source

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    Findingcitation

    Lack of sleep is associated with reduced cognitive functioning and adverse effects on emotional and physical health.

    “Lack of sleep, which is pervasive, has been associated with reduced cognitive functioning and adverse effects on emotional and physical health.54–56”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [54] Shochat T Cohen-Zion M Tzischinsky O Functional consequences of inadequate sleep in adolescents: a systematic review Sleep Med Rev 2014 18 1 75 87 23806891 source

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    • cites [55] Taras H Potts-Datema W Sleep and student performance at school J Sch Health 2005 75 7 248 254 16102087 source

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    • cites [56] Basch CE Basch CH Ruggles KV Rajan S Prevalence of sleep duration on an average school night among 4 nationally representative successive samples of american high school students 2007–2013 Prev Chronic Dis 2014 11 1 5 PMC4264412 25496556 source

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    Findingcitation

    Participation in extracurricular physical activities is associated with higher grade point averages, lower dropout rates, and fewer disciplinary problems.

    “participation in extracurricular physical activities has been associated with higher grade point averages (GPAs), lower dropout rates, and fewer disciplinary problems.14,19,23,28,33,36”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [14] Busch V Loyen A Lodder M Schrijvers AJ van Yperen TA de Leeuw JR The effects of adolescent health-related behavior on academic performance: a systematic review of the longitudinal evidence Rev Educ Res 2014 84 2 245 274 source

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    • cites [19] Esteban-Cornejo I Tejero-Gonzalez CM Sallis JF Veiga OL Physical activity and cognition in adolescents: a systematic review J Sci Med Sport 2014 18 5 534 539 25108657 source

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    • cites [23] Bird KS Tripney J Newman M The educational impacts of young people's participation in organised sport: a systematic review J Child Serv 2013 8 4 264 275 source

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    Findingcitation

    Student participation in school breakfast programs such as the USDA School Breakfast Program is associated with increased academic grades and standardized test scores, reduced absenteeism, and improved cognitive function.

    “student participation in school breakfast programs such as the US Department of Agriculture's School Breakfast Program has been shown to be associated with increased academic grades and standardized test scores, reduced absenteeism, and improved cognitive function,26,39,41,44,46”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [26] Murray N Low B Hollis C Cross A Davis S Coordinated school health programs and academic achievement: a systematic review of the literature J Sch Health 2007 77 9 589 600 17970862 source

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    • cites [39] Adolphus K Lawton CL Dye L The effects of breakfast on behavior and academic performance in children and adolescents Front Hum Neurosci 2013 7 425 23964220 PMC3737458 source

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    • cites [41] Cueto S Chinen M Educational impact of a school breakfast programme in rural Peru Int J Educ Dev 2008 28 2 132 148 source

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    Findingcitation

    Nine programs that included a health education component increased academic grades and test scores, decreased school absences, improved student behavior, and reduced school dropout.

    “9 programs that included a health education component increased academic grades and test scores, decreased school absences, improved student behavior, and reduced school dropout.26”
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    • cites [26] Murray N Low B Hollis C Cross A Davis S Coordinated school health programs and academic achievement: a systematic review of the literature J Sch Health 2007 77 9 589 600 17970862 source

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    Findingcitation

    Diabetes is linked to decreased attention and lower test scores.

    “diabetes is linked to decreased attention and lower test scores,61,62”
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    • cites [61] Kucera M Sullivan AL The educational implications of types I diabetes mellitus: a review of research and recommendations for school psychological practice Psychol Sch 2011 48 6 587 603 source

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    • cites [62] Taras H Potts-Datema W Chronic health conditions and student performance at school J Sch Health 2005 75 7 255 266 16102088 source

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    Findingcitation

    Teen mothers are less likely to complete high school and have lower odds of attending college.

    “teen mothers are less likely to complete high school and have lower odds of attending college.52”
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    • cites [52] Basch CE Teen pregnancy and the achievement gap among urban minority youth J Sch Health 2011 81 10 614 618 21923873 source

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    Findingcitation

    Wellness programs can increase employees' ability to focus, reduce absenteeism, improve employee morale, and prevent chronic diseases.

    “Studies have shown that wellness programs can increase employees' ability to focus, reduce absenteeism, improve employee morale, and prevent chronic diseases.73,74”
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    • cites [73] Aldana SG Merrill RM Price K Hardy A Hager R Financial impact of a comprehensive multisite workplace health promotion program Prev Med 2005 40 2 131 137 15533521 source

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    • cites [74] Heaney C Goetzel R A review of health-related outcomes of multi-component worksite health promotion programs Am J Health Promot 1997 11 4 290 307 10165522 source

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    Findingcitation

    Schools with smaller school nurse-to-student ratios are associated with lower absenteeism rates and higher graduation rates.

    “schools with smaller school nurse-to-student ratios were associated with lower absenteeism rates and higher graduation rates.65”
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    • cites [65] Maughan E The impact of school nursing on school performance: a research synthesis J Sch Nurs 2003 19 3 163 171 12755681 source

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    Findingcitation

    School staff are powerful role models and can help engage students in healthy behaviors and practices.

    “School staff are also powerful role models and can help engage students in healthy behaviors and practices.70,76”
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    • cites [70] Directors of Health Promotion and Education. School employee wellness: a guide for protecting the assets of our nation's schools. 2006. Available at: http://www.healthyschoolsms.org/staff_health/documents/EntireGuide.pdf. Accessed July 7, 2015

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    • cites [76] Beisser SR Peters RE Thacker VM Balancing passion and priorities: an investigation of health and wellness practices of secondary school principals NASSP Bulletin 2014 98 3 237 255 source

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    Findingcitation

    Being a victim of bullying is associated with feeling unsafe at school, lower connectedness with school, and lower grades.

    “being a victim of bullying is associated with feeling unsafe at school, lower connectedness with school, and lower grades.79”
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    • cites [79] Thapa A Cohen J Guffey S Higgins-D'Alessandro A A review of school climate research Rev Educ Res 2013 83 3 357 385 source

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    Findingcitation

    Students who are more attached to school have better attendance, grades, and classroom behavior.

    “Students who are more attached to school have been shown to have better attendance, grades, and classroom behavior.79”
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    • cites [79] Thapa A Cohen J Guffey S Higgins-D'Alessandro A A review of school climate research Rev Educ Res 2013 83 3 357 385 source

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    Findingcitation

    Reduced aggression and violence, peer victimization, and punitive disciplinary actions are associated with decreased absenteeism and increased academic achievement.

    “which has also been associated with decreased absenteeism and increased academic achievement.78,79”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [78] Cohen J McCabe EM Michelli NM Pickeral T School climate: research, policy, teacher education and practice Teach Coll Rec 2009 111 1 180 213 source

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    • cites [79] Thapa A Cohen J Guffey S Higgins-D'Alessandro A A review of school climate research Rev Educ Res 2013 83 3 357 385 source

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    Findingcitation

    High temperatures or inconsistent temperatures can make students drowsy and not feel well, which can affect their ability to learn.

    “high temperatures or inconsistent temperatures can make students drowsy and not feel well, which can affect their ability to learn.83,85,86”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [83] Environmental Protection Agency. Energy efficiency and indoor air quality in schools. 2003. Available at: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/pdfs/publications/ee_iaq.pdf. Accessed July 7, 2015

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    • cites [85] Kevan SM Howes JD Climatic conditions in classrooms Educ Rev 1980 32 3 281 292 source

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    • cites [86] Filardo M Vincent J Research on the impact of school facilities on students and teachers: a summary of studies published since 2000 Educ Facility Planner 2010 44 2–3 25 27

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    Findingcitation

    Poor acoustics interferes with learning; when acoustic quality is poor, students may not completely understand instructions from the teacher, which might lead to poor performance.

    “Poor acoustics also interferes with learning; when acoustic quality in the classroom is poor, students may not be able to completely understand instructions from the teacher, which might lead to poor performance.87”
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    • cites [87] Dockrell JE Shield B The impact of sound-field systems on learning and attention in elementary school classrooms J Speech Lang Hear Res 2012 55 4 1163 1176 22232398

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    Findingcitation

    School connectedness is associated with academic achievement, including school attendance, staying in school longer, and higher grades and classroom test scores.

    “Research has demonstrated an association between school connectedness and academic achievement, including school attendance, staying in school longer, and higher grades and classroom test scores.79,80”
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    • cites [79] Thapa A Cohen J Guffey S Higgins-D'Alessandro A A review of school climate research Rev Educ Res 2013 83 3 357 385 source

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    • cites [80] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. School connectedness: Strategies for increasing protective factors among youth. 2009. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/protective/pdf/connectedness.pdf. Accessed July 7, 2015

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Two components of WSCC support involving the family and community-family engagement (5 meta-analyses, 0 systematic reviews, and 0 unstructured literature reviews) and community involvement (0 reviews).

    “Two components of WSCC support involving the family and community—family engagement (5 meta-analyses, 0 systematic reviews, and 0 unstructured literature reviews) and community involvement (0 reviews).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Findingcitation

    Evidence described in this article demonstrates that the 6 health-related components can impact educational outcomes, and inform policy and program changes at the local level.

    “Evidence described in this article demonstrates that the 6 health-related components can impact educational outcomes, and inform policy and program changes at the local level.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Schools can improve the health and learning of students by supporting opportunities to learn about and practice healthy behaviors, providing school health services, creating safe and positive school environments, and engaging families and community.

    “Schools can improve the health and learning of students by supporting opportunities to learn about and practice healthy behaviors, providing school health services, creating safe and positive school environments, and engaging families and community.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The summaries for each category are based on existing meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and unstructured literature reviews.

    “The summaries for each category are based on existing meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and unstructured literature reviews (Table 2).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The connection between health and education supports the need for a comprehensive school health approach that is strategic, high quality, and coordinated.

    “This important connection between health and education supports the need for a comprehensive school health approach that is strategic, high quality, and coordinated.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [6] Basch CE Healthier students are better learners: high-quality, strategically planned, and effectively coordinated school health programs must be a fundamental mission of schools to help close the achievement gap J Sch Health 2011 81 10 650 662 21923878 source

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    About 25% of children and adolescents in the United States are estimated to suffer from chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, food allergies, epilepsy, and obesity.

    “Nationally, about 25% of children and adolescents in the United States are estimated to suffer from chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, food allergies, epilepsy, and obesity.57”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [57] Van Cleave J Gortmaker SL Perrin JM Dynamics of obesity and chronic health conditions among children and youth JAMA 2010 303 7 623 630 20159870 source

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Helping students manage chronic conditions will decrease the amount of time they spend out of the classroom or away from school.

    “Helping students manage chronic conditions will decrease the amount of time they spend out of the classroom or away from school.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Students who have parents engaged in their school lives are less likely to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, become pregnant, be physically inactive, and be emotionally distressed.

    “Although most of the literature for parent engagement has focused on improving academic achievement, research also has shown that students who have parents engaged in their school lives are less likely to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, become pregnant, be physically inactive, and be emotionally distressed.98”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [98] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parent engagement: strategies for involving parents in school health. 2012. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/protective/pdf/parent_engagement_strategies.pdf. Accessed July 7, 2015

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Students who have parents engaged in their school lives are more likely to have increased attendance, higher grades and test scores, better social skills, improved classroom behavior, and graduated high school.

    “Research has shown that students who have parents engaged in their school lives are more likely to have increased attendance, higher grades and test scores, better social skills, improved classroom behavior, and graduated high school.93–97”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 5 sources checked
    • cites [93] Fan X Chen M Parental involvement and students' academic achievement: a meta-analysis Educ Psychol Rev 2001 13 1 1 22 source

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    • cites [94] Hill NE Tyson DF Parental involvement in middle school: a meta-analytic assessment of the strategies that promote achievement Dev Psychol 2009 45 3 740 763 19413429 PMC2782391 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [95] Jeynes WH A meta-analysis: the effects of parental involvement on minority children's academic achievement Educ Urban Soc 2003 3592 202 218 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [96] Jeynes WH A meta-analysis of the relation of parental involvement to urban elementary school student academic achievement Urban Educ 2005 40 3 237 269 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [97] Jeynes WH The relationship between parental involvement and urban secondary school student academic achievement: a meta-analysis Urban Educ 2007 42 1 82 110 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Parents involved in school health activities impact their children's health behaviors and their academic achievement.

    “In addition, research has shown that parents involved in school health activities will not only impact their children's health behaviors but also their academic achievement.98”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [98] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parent engagement: strategies for involving parents in school health. 2012. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/protective/pdf/parent_engagement_strategies.pdf. Accessed July 7, 2015

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Castelli et al found that 79% of the 218 articles included in their review reported positive associations between physical activity/physical fitness and academic achievement, and the other 21% found null or neutral findings.

    “For example, in the most recent and comprehensive review, Castelli et al found that 79% of the 218 articles included in their review reported positive associations between physical activity/physical fitness and academic achievement, and the other 21% found null or neutral findings.15”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [15] Castelli DM Centeio EE Hwang J The history of physical activity and academic performance research: informing the future Monogr Soc Res Child Dev 2014 79 4 119 148 25387418 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationnone given

    The Whole School, Whole Community, and Whole Child model is a framework that highlights the critical connection between health and academic achievement.

    “The Whole School, Whole Community, and Whole Child model is a framework that highlights the critical connection between health and academic achievement.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The WSCC model provides guidance for supporting healthy student behaviors, school health services, safe and positive school environments, and family and community involvement.

    “As such, it provides guidance for supporting healthy student behaviors, school health services, safe and positive school environments, and family and community involvement.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Seattle's Social Development Program positively affected students' health behaviors and educational outcomes, and even 15 years after the intervention, showed positive effects on the participants' mental health, sexual health, and educational outcomes.

    “This program positively affected student's health behaviors and educational outcomes, and even 15 years after the intervention, showed positive effects on the participants' mental health, sexual health, and educational outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [11] Hawkins JD Kosterman R Catalano RF Hill KG Abbott RD Effects of social development intervention in childhood 15 years later Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2008 162 12 1133 1141 19047540 PMC2593733 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Increasing parent engagement will increase parents' belief that their engagement will improve their children's learning and well-being, which in turn will improve their children's academic performance.

    “This will also increase parents' belief that their engagement will improve their children's learning and well-being, which in turn will improve their children's academic performance.98,99”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [98] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parent engagement: strategies for involving parents in school health. 2012. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/protective/pdf/parent_engagement_strategies.pdf. Accessed July 7, 2015

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [99] Epstein JL School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Preparing Educators and Improving Schools 2011 2nd ed Boulder, CO Westview Press

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Community involvement is associated with increased grades and test scores, improved school attendance, and improved student behavior.

    “Community involvement is associated with increased grades and test scores, improved school attendance, and improved student behavior.99–102”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [99] Epstein JL School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Preparing Educators and Improving Schools 2011 2nd ed Boulder, CO Westview Press

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [100] Nettles SM Community involvement and disadvantaged students: a review Rev Educ Res 1991 61 3 379 406 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [101] Sanders MG The effects of school, family, and community support on the academic achievement of African American adolescents Urban Educ 1998 33 3 385 409 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [102] Sanders MG The role of “community” in comprehensive school, family, and community partnership programs Elem Sch J 2001 102 1 19 34 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Parents are more likely to be engaged if the school has a welcoming environment and if they perceive school staff and students want and expect their involvement.

    “Parents are more likely to be engaged if the school has a welcoming environment (eg, friendly school office staff and readily available information for parents) and if they perceive school staff and students want and expect their involvement.98,99”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [98] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parent engagement: strategies for involving parents in school health. 2012. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/protective/pdf/parent_engagement_strategies.pdf. Accessed July 7, 2015

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [99] Epstein JL School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Preparing Educators and Improving Schools 2011 2nd ed Boulder, CO Westview Press

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Seattle's Social Development Program included child social and emotional skill development, professional development for teachers, and parent workshops (3 of the 10 components of WSCC).

    “For example, Seattle's Social Development Program included child social and emotional skill development, professional development for teachers, and parent workshops (3 of the 10 components of WSCC).11”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [11] Hawkins JD Kosterman R Catalano RF Hill KG Abbott RD Effects of social development intervention in childhood 15 years later Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2008 162 12 1133 1141 19047540 PMC2593733 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationcitation

    This evidence supports the national recommendation for a comprehensive school physical activity approach, which includes providing opportunities for students to be physically active before, during, and after school.

    “This evidence supports the national recommendation for a comprehensive school physical activity approach, which includes providing opportunities for students to be physically active before, during, and after school.106–108”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [106] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention School health guidelines to promote healthy eating and physical activity MMWR Recomm Rep 2011 60 RR-5 1 76 21918496

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [107] Institute of Medicine Educating the Student Body: Taking Physical Activity and Physical Education to School 2013 Washington DC The National Academies Press 24851299

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [108] Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report Subcommittee of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. Physical activity guidelines for Americans midcourse report: strategies to increase physical activity among youth. 2012. Available at: http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/midcourse/pag-mid-course-report-final.pdf. Accessed July 7, 2015

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This assessment process will help schools decide how to invest limited resources and will help schools discuss and determine how to coordinate policies, processes, and practices across components of WSCC.

    “This assessment process will not only help schools decide how to invest limited resources, but also will help schools discuss and determine how to coordinate policies, processes, and practices across components of WSCC.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The WSCC model provides public schools with a framework to address these objectives.

    “The WSCC model provides public schools with a framework to address these objectives.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    School health programs must be an integral part of education if we want healthy and successful students, and if as a nation we want to attain both National Education and Health Objectives by 2020 and beyond.

    “This statement still holds true today; school health programs must be an integral part of education if we want healthy and successful students, and if as a nation we want to attain both National Education and Health Objectives by 2020 and beyond.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [109] Kolbe LJ An essential strategy to improve the health and education of Americans Prev Med 1993 22 4 544 560 8415506 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The School Health Index helps school leaders determine the extent to which schools are implementing evidence-based health policies and practices, and identify weaknesses and develop plans for improvement while engaging key stakeholders.

    “The School Health Index helps school leaders determine the extent to which schools are implementing evidence-based health policies and practices, and identify weaknesses and develop plans for improvement while engaging key stakeholders.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [110] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. School Health Index: A Self-Assessment and Planning Guide. Elementary school version. 2012. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/Healthyyouth/SHI/pdf/Elementary-Total-2014-Tagged_508.pdf. Accessed July 7, 2015

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [111] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. School Health Index: A Self-Assessment and Planning Guide. Middle school/high school version. 2012. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/Healthyyouth/SHI/pdf/Middle-HighTotal-2014-Tagged_508.pdf. Accessed July 7, 2015

      Not checked in the free run.

52 of 52

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Healthy school staff are a critical component of a high achieving school.

    “Healthy school staff are a critical component of a high achieving school.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Family engagement and community involvement help schools foster partnerships to support, share, and maximize resources.

    “Family engagement and community involvement help schools foster partnerships to support, share, and maximize resources.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Families and school staff can work together to support and improve the learning, development, and health of students.

    “Families and school staff can work together to support and improve the learning, development, and health of students.”
3 of 3

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • There is a positive association between physical activity (both moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity and vigorous-intensity physical activity) and physical fitness and academic performance in children and adolescents.

    “There is a positive association between physical activity (both moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity and vigorous-intensity physical activity) and physical fitness and academic performance in children and adolescents.71–74”

    From Physical activity and health in Chinese children and adolescents: expert consensus statement (2020) (2020) · cites this paper as [72]

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Etnier review is dated before its stated included studies

    Minor

    Table 2 says the Etnier review included articles published through 2000, but the cited review was published in 1997.

  • Howie review is dated before its stated search period

    Minor

    Table 2 describes a search through April 2012 and articles through 2012, but the cited Howie publication is dated 2010.

  • Castelli review has two different article counts

    Minor

    The discussion says the Castelli review included 218 articles, while Table 2 lists 215 for the same review.

3 of 3

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

5 of the 114 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. Basch CE, 2010, Healthier Students are Better Learners: A Missing Link in Efforts to Close the Achievement Gap
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014, Health and Academic Achievement Overivew, 1

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Michael, S. L., Merlo, C. L., Basch, C. E., Wentzel, K. R., & Wechsler, H.
Affiliations
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US)
  • Columbia University (US)
  • University of Maryland, College Park (US)
  • Clinton Foundation (US)
Corresponding author
Michael, Shannon L.
ORCID
Venue
Journal of School Health
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2015-10-06
Volume
85
Issue
11
Pages
740-758
ISSN
  • 0022-4391 (ISSN-L)
  • 1746-1561
DOI
10.1111/josh.12309
PMC
PMC4606776
OpenAlex
W2105935593
Semantic Scholar
91c1636efb0a45a27c9190cdbdea90a4ab0daf17
Cited by
222
References
114
Citations by year
2026: 12 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 25 · 2022: 20 · 2021: 27 · 2020: 30 · 2019: 29 · 2018: 30 · 2017: 17 · 2016: 7
FWCI
4.00
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Journal of School Health (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Speech and Hearing › School Health and Nursing Education
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Adolescent Health and Behaviors
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Child and Adolescent Health
Keywords
student health, academic performance, health behavior, physical activity, school health services, chronic disease, school climate, family involvement, community participation, health and education integration
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Child, Educational Status, Food Services, Health Education, Health Status, Humans, Motor Activity, School Health Services, Schools, Students, Meta-Analysis as Topic, Organizational Culture, Health Behavior, Nutritional Sciences

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-08.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-08.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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