Students and the Need For A More Active Day

Angela Hanscom is a pediatric occupational therapist. She spent time researching how students’ ability to focus in school is impacted by their inactivity throughout the day. She believes that students have even been inappropriately diagnosed of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Upon writing on this topic, Hanscom visited a local school to observe a middle school classroom first hand.

Over the course of 90 minutes, Hanscom noticed that she was very uncomfortable herself. She found herself contorting into strange positions just to pay attention. Her leg was even bouncing to stay alert. The keyword here was fidgeting. As she looked around, the children’s actions were much the same. Half of the class was slouched over their desks and other students would make routine trips to the bathroom and pencil sharpener. Angela Hanscom intended to observe for a full day, however she decided to leave right after lunch. She questioned how these students managed to tolerate such circumstances day after day.

The human body is not designed to remain still for long periods of time. Effects such as tight ligaments and underdeveloped sensory systems may occur. The overall idea is that the body becomes weaker when it is not being regularly active. Teachers are aware of the importance of their students moving around. However, they are faced with the challenges of covering more material in less time in order to produce higher test scores. Parents are reaching out to school officials to help encourage change. Hopefully school will become more aware of children’s need to move. To read more about Angela Hanscom’s research, visit the Washington Post here.

Statistics show that homelessness is at a high for high school aged students. There are two forms of this epidemic that occur today. First, one can be homeless without a family or any support system. Alternatively, a situation where the parent is not present and the student is obliged to care for a younger sibling can also be considered homelessness. When it comes to schooling, public schools provide educational resources for these individuals. They are able to attend school and have access to transportation. However, housing is an ongoing struggle as schools are not able to fill this void.

Foster care is one housing option. Although, once students reach age 17, they are aging out of the system. Homeless education coordinators and school liaisons in Michigan, such as Beth McCullough, are working to lessen this problem. Now, the schools and communities in need are working together to place homeless children with other families. They are also striving to provide these students with the resources they did not have previously. Host families step up to be mentors to the students they allow to stay with them. They coach them in how to effectively transition into adulthood, where most of them realize higher education is the key to creating a better life.

87% of students who become homeless stop going to school. Here is where community organization step in since often public schools reach funding limits due to transportation expenses. Schools on Wheels is an example of an organization that steps in to assist homeless students. They help them prepare for the SATs, complete high school, and understand how financial aid works for attending college. After accepted and send to college, Schools on Wheels will even be there to help students move into dorm rooms. More than just an organization, this program becomes the family support that was missing for these young adults.

For more information on homeless students and education visit U.S. News here: http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/high-school-notes/2014/09/29/homeless-high-schoolers-face-barriers-to-education