Recent research suggests that a school’s physical environment also can play a major role in academic performance.
- Leaky roofs
- Problems with heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, known as HVAC systems
- Insufficient cleaning or excessive use of cleaning chemicals
- and other maintenance issues
can trigger a host of health problems — including asthma and allergies — that increase absenteeism and reduce academic performance. Research links key environmental factors to health outcomes and students’ ability to perform. Improvements in school environmental quality can enhance academic performance, as well as teacher and staff productivity and retention. To learn more, read the Quick Reference Guide for Student Health and Academic Performance.
