Education
Education is an engine of social mobility with implications for health and well-being that extend across the entire lifetime. From birth, we are developing and learning. Supportive learning environments positively shape social and behavioral development and set children on a path that maximizes their capacity to learn, and positively shapes their social and behavioral development. The education sector encompasses formal educational institutions like schools, colleges, and universities, along with teachers, students, and curriculum. It involves the organized provision of knowledge, skills, and learning opportunities within these institutions. However, it is important to note that the definition may vary based on regional or contextual factors, and may not capture informal or non-traditional forms of education. By providing equal opportunities for success and maximizing individuals' potential, lifelong learning enhances health knowledge, promotes healthy behaviors, addresses health equity, empowers individuals for health decision-making, and fosters ongoing personal and professional growth.
Education influences not only individuals but also communities, societies, and economies, shaping health outcomes and well-being on a broad scale. While specific statistics may vary, studies consistently show that higher levels of education are associated with improved health outcomes, reduced mortality rates, increased access to healthcare, and overall better well-being. Landmark events, infectious disease outbreaks, and social movements have shaped the current situation for the education sector. Education is also an engine of social mobility. Higher levels of education are linked with more income, better health, and increased opportunities. Conversely, disparities in access to education and educational attainment persist, and can be perpetuated across generations.
The most impacted groups have evolved over time, influenced by changing social, economic, and political factors. Historically marginalized groups such as racial and ethnic minorities, individuals from low-income backgrounds, and those facing systemic barriers have consistently faced significant impacts in accessing quality education. Today, these populations continue to be disproportionately affected by the education sector, alongside other vulnerable groups such as individuals with disabilities, refugees, and girls/women in certain regions where educational disparities persist.
Technological advancements shaping educational delivery methods, the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on remote learning and school closures, increasing attention to educational equity and inclusivity, evolving curriculum requirements, and the integration of health and well-being into educational settings to address public health concerns collectively contribute to the dynamic state of the education sector. Important equity considerations for those working in the education sector include addressing disparities in access, closing the digital divide, and addressing systemic barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized populations.
Education matters at a system level because it empowers people with knowledge and skills for making informed health decisions, promoting health literacy, and fostering positive health behaviors, ultimately leading to improved population health and well-being. Changemakers and stewards can advance systems change in education at scale by advocating for policy reforms, promoting collaborations, implementing evidence-based interventions, and addressing social determinants of health.
Local communities and changemakers can influence education by actively engaging in grassroots initiatives, advocating for inclusive and equitable education policies, fostering partnerships with schools and educational institutions, and promoting community involvement in decision-making processes. They can support programs that address social determinants of health, provide resources and support to students and families, and create supportive environments that prioritize health and well-being in educational settings.
Resources & Tools
Student Academic Performance Is Affected by Issues Inside and Outside School
Resource
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Grade Retention: A Case Study in Cincinnati Public Schools
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 03/01/2013
Georgia Qualified Allocation Plan for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Georgia Health Policy Center
School Based Wellness and Walkability in North Wasco County School District 21
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
City of Sheridan Comprehensive Plan Update
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 05/31/2015
How Schools Affect Student Well-Being: A Cross-Cultural Approach in 35 OECD Countries
Resource - Journal Article
The Community Schools Initiative
Resource - Fact Sheet
Brought to you by American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences
Messaging Research: Effective Public Health Communication Strategies for Divisive Political Climate
Resource - Report
Brought to you by BCHC
School Discipline Policies
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 04/30/2012
Eugene-Springfield Consolidated Plan and the Impact of Housing on Children's Health
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 07/31/2014
State Education Integration Task Force Recommendations
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 04/14/2013
Restorative Justice in San Diego
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 09/30/2016
Oakland Education to Employment Academy
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 12/31/2013
In Common Newsletter: In Solidarity With Maui
Resource
Brought to you by Community Commons
Published on 08/24/2023
Health Note: Education Bond Act of 2019
Resource - Report
Brought to you by North Carolina Budget and Tax Center
Georgia Qualified Allocation Plan for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 08/31/2015
Colorado HB 19-1262: State Funding for Full-Day Kindergarten
Resource - Report
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Elementary and Middle School Success
Resource - Data Bank/repository
Brought to you by Results for America
City of Worcester Union Hill Revitalization
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 06/08/2011
Project HEAL (Health.Equity.Art.Learning)
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 12/31/2016
The Impacts of Neighborhoods on Intergenerational Mobility I: Childhood Exposure Effects
Resource - Journal Article
Brought to you by OUP
Environmental Decisions in New Mexico
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 01/30/2020
Using Systems Thinking in State Health Policymaking: An Educational Initiative
Resource - Journal Article
Brought to you by Springer
Inequality in Teaching and Schooling: How Opportunity Is Rationed to Students of Color in America
Resource - Journal Article
Globeville and Elyria Swansea Neighborhood Plan HIA
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 01/01/2014
Red Dog Mine Extension Aqqaluk Project
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 09/30/2009
Effects of COVID-19-Related School Closures on Student Achievement-A Systematic Review
Resource - Journal Article
Long-Term Health Implications of School Quality
Resource - Journal Article
Brought to you by Elsevier, Inc.
Minnesota Drug Sentencing Reform
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 01/31/2016
Building Capacity in HIA on the U.S.-Mexico Border Through Practice, Training, and Collaborative Partnerships
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Restorative Justice Policies in Merced County Schools
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Central Corridor Area Plan
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 12/31/2011
Negative Impacts of Pandemic Induced At-Home Remote Learning Can Be Mitigated by Parental Involvement
Resource - Journal Article
Indiana SB 234: High School Equivalency Pilot Program
Resource - Report
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Funding for New York State's Correctional Education Programs
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 04/30/2015
School Level Needs Assessment Regulations Under the Every Student Succeeds Act
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 07/31/2017
Full-Day Kindergarten
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 05/31/2015
Coal and Clean Energy Options in Kentucky
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Gerena Elementary School
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 08/10/2015
Revitalization in Historic Natchez, Mississippi
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
How Involvement in the Criminal Justice System Affects Health
Resource
Brought to you by The Pew Charitable Trusts
Farm to School Coordinator in Arkansas
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 09/30/2017
Indiana SB 158: Indiana Youth Service Program
Resource - Report
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Sacramento Safe Routes to School
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 11/21/2004
How Health Systems and Educators Can Work to Close the Talent Gap
Resource - Blog
Brought to you by McKinsey & Company
The Relationship Between Education and Health: Reducing Disparities Through a Contextual Approach
Resource - Journal Article
Promoting Public Health and Education Goals Through Coordinated School Health Programs
Resource - Policy Brief
Cuyahoga County Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
State Route 50 Bus Rapid Transit
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Winter Park Health Foundation
State Route 50 Bus Rapid Transit
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 12/31/2015
Guiding Principles for Creating Safe, Inclusive, Supportive, and Fair School Climates
Resource - Guide/handbook
Houston Transit-Oriented Development
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 05/31/2012
After-School Programs - Proposition 49
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Replacing Public Housing Units Destroyed by Hurricane Ike
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
The Forgotten History of Black Education in America
Story - Written
Brought to you by FC
Published on 02/15/2023
Bringing the Vital Conditions to Life: Lifelong Learning
Story
-
Original
Brought to you by Community Commons
Published on 11/01/2019
The Student Stress Crisis: What is Portland State Doing to Make a Difference?
Story
-
Original
Brought to you by Community Commons
Data & Metrics
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