Effective Schooling for Students With Chronic Illness

Research shows that forty-five percent of students with chronic illness report falling behind in their school work (Thies,1999). Between diabetes, cancer, asthma, epilepsy, immune system illnesses, and more, there are a growing number of students who require more flexible access to school.

Photo from Unsplash - Photographer Kelly Sikkema

I am currently a masters student in Teaching and Curriculum, with an emphasis in Special Education, at Boston University’s School of Education. I am also a Corps Member in Teach for America 2016 Corps, and I teach fourth grade, special education. A huge part of my job as a special education teacher revolves around providing access, and how to help my students receive more access to the curriculum in school.

In my time teaching, I have worked with a few students with chronic illnesses, and watched others with illness struggle to keep up in school. Many students with chronic illness have times of difficulty accessing school and curriculum the same way their peers do. Of course, individualized education plans and 504 plans can help some students with chronic illness access a “normal” school day and curriculum with success, but what about the students that have the most need?

A student is not an island, and all individuals involved in the support of the child, both academically and health-wise, need to work together to support each student best. Children with chronic illnesses need school support personnel who are willing to think creatively and integrate their educational and health needs by collaborating with families and health care professionals (Thies, 1999). It is especially important for health to not overshadow education and vice versa. Both aspects of the child’s health and learning are important for their future later on. Students with chronic illnesses are at risk for a decreased quality of life. Data has shown that there are three main settings that seek to increase the quality of life youth with chronic illnesses. They are hospitals, schools, and communities (Merianos,Vidourek, King, & Nabors, 2014).

To best help students with chronic illness succeed in life, here are three strategies to help increase quality in school:

[if !supportLists]1. [endif]Utilizing School Nurses as a Helpful Medical School Resource

[if !supportLists]2. [endif]Implementing School Medical Liaison Services for Youth with Chronic Illnesses

[if !supportLists]3. [endif]Utilizing School Counselors and School Psychologist as Helpful Community Resources

References

Thies, K. M. (1999). Identifying the educational implications of chronic illness in school children. Journal of School Health, 69(10), 392. Retrieved from http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A59543897/AONE?u=mlin_b_bumml&sid=AONE&xid=95f401e7

Merianos, A. L., Vidourek R. A., King K. A., & Nabors, L. A. (2014). Hospital, school, and community-based strategies to enhance the quality of life of youth with chronic illnesses. Applied Research in Quality of Life, 10(2), 329-342. Retrieved from https://link-springer-com.ezproxy.bu.edu/article/10.1007/s11482-014-9311-9