ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND HEALTH GO HAND IN HAND
Health and learning are two sides of the same coin. When students are healthy in mind and body, they miss less school, are better able to focus, and are more likely to graduate. And, students who graduate from high school are more likely to be healthy throughout the rest of their lives and contribute to their communities. Health Happens in Schools works closely with education leaders, parents, and students throughout California to create positive learning environments where students can thrive. That means healthy school food and beverages, making exercise part of every school day, and promoting social-emotional health that leads to improved behavior and greater resilience.
California’s new school funding law, called the Local Control Funding Formula, presents an unprecedented opportunity to embrace student health as an essential strategy for school success. The law increases funds to school districts serving students with the greatest needs and spells out new measurements of success that are directly related to student health and wellness.
The California Endowment is working with educators, students, and communities to carry out the new law with student health in mind. By focusing on health as a strategy for student success, we can keep more kids in school and on track for a bright and productive future.