How extreme heat is forcing school systems to adapt for better quality learning
As school slowly starts for thousands of kids across the country, experts worry about the never-ending heat students endure during the school year and how it threatens quality learning.
THE TAKEAWAY
As school slowly starts for thousands of kids across the country, experts worry about the never-ending heat students endure during the school year and how it threatens quality learning.
The sweltering heat students experience at the start of the school year and in the spring can be a major distraction when trying to keep kids focused from elementary school through high school.
Researchers at the American Psychological Association (APA) are getting to the root of the issue and trying to develop a plan to help protect students' health, safety and learning as extreme heat unfortunately becomes more common.
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"Psychological science demonstrates that extreme heat exposure can impact students’ attention, memory and ability to learn, underscoring why schools need to plan now to safeguard learning and promote student health and academic outcomes," APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr. said.
When it is extremely hot outside, our bodies have a more difficult time staying cool and adapting to the weather.
There are three types of heat illness: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
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Beyond the physical effects of extreme heat, it also harms students' learning, as recent studies have shown lower test scores on hot days.
According to studies, extreme heat has also been linked to mental health effects such as mood disorders.
As a result of the never-ending heat, schools must adapt and find ways to help children stay as cool as possible during the day and avoid harmful heat.
One example is New York, where lawmakers have created temperature regulations for school systems, requiring officials to take action when temperatures hit 82 degrees and relocate students and staff out of rooms that reach 88 degrees.
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Over time, with better regulations, school officials can better monitor and keep students safe from extreme heat and avoid heat-related illnesses.
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