School Health Data and Reports  

CDC’s research brief on chronic health conditions and academic achievement indicates that “students who are able to manage their chronic health conditions tend to have better academic outcomes” (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: Research Brief). For every student to be able to reach their health and academic potential, schools need systematic information to be able to allocate the appropriate resources to ensure that every student has the support they need to learn.  

Decision makers and school health services staff at the local and state level need and want information on student health and school health services to make informed decisions that support equitable health and academic outcomes.

 A commitment to health equity requires constant monitoring not only of overall (average) levels of health and the resources needed for health in a whole population, but also routinely comparing how more and less advantaged groups within that population are faring on those indicators (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: What is Health Equity). School health data is needed for local and state organizations to continue work to eliminate disparities and create equity.

The School Nursing Practice Framework™ and the professional school Nursing Practice Standards provide clear guidance that school nurses need to participate in local, state, and national efforts related to data collection, reporting and analysis as a key element of quality improvement.