Health strategies to improve outcomes by adolescence
Health strategies can improve elementary and middle school-aged children's physical and social-emotional development, create more positive learning environments at school, and reduce engagement in risky behaviors.
Children who experience strong academic and social outcomes by adolescence are more likely to graduate from high school, continue on to post-secondary education, and obtain high quality employment.
How do outcomes in elementary and middle school affect economic mobility?
- Reading at grade level by third grade is among the strongest predictors of high school graduation and college attendance. 1 2
Until the end of third grade, children are learning to read. Starting in fourth grade, they are reading to learn. After third grade, struggling readers have difficulty comprehending curriculum materials, diminishing their ability to keep up with classmates and reducing their overall academic motivation.
- Reading interventions before third grade increase adolescent and adult literacy. 3
For 85-90 percent of poor readers, evidence-based programs implemented before third grade can increase skills to grade level. If interventions are delayed until children are nine years or older, 75 percent of below average readers will continue to have literacy problems through high school and adulthood.
- Middle school math performance is a strong predictor of future academic and professional success. 4 5
Students who complete algebra by 8th grade attend college at higher rates than students who do not complete algebra.
- Completing algebra early has a positive impact on highly mobile career trajectories. 6
The earlier that students are able to complete algebra, the earlier they are able to move on to more advanced math coursework. This has strong implications for career trajectory, particularly the ability to pursue STEM majors in college.
- Strong high school math accomplishment helps students avoid remedial coursework in college. 7 8
Between 60 and 70 percent of entering freshman in community colleges enroll in remedial coursework, with the majority of these students needing remediation in math. 40 percent of students in remedial courses at two-year colleges and 25 percent of students in four-year colleges do not complete their degree.
Categories of successful interventions
- Child wellness programs: School-based programs that seek to improve student wellbeing, create healthier learning environments, and reduce conflict between students
- Nutrition programs: Programs that provide healthy breakfast and lunch options to students for free or reduced prices
- School-based health programs: Physical or mental health programs provided at schools. Some programs offer services to family and community members
Evidence-based interventions
Intervention | Type | Category | Evidence Level |
---|---|---|---|
Community gardens | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Community schools | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Extracurricular activities | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Families and Schools Together | Program |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Farmers markets | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Green space and parks | Policy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Juvenile diversion programs | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Multi-component school-based obesity prevention programs | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Multisystemic therapy for juvenile offenders | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Places for physical activity | Policy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Restorative justice programs | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Safe Routes to School | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
School breakfast programs | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
School dental programs | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
School fruit and vegetable gardens | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
School-based health centers | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
School-based prevention programs for aggressive and disruptive behavior | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
School-based social emotional instruction | Policy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
School-based violence and bullying prevention programs | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
School-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Targeted truancy interventions | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Trauma-informed schools | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Treatment for serious juvenile offenders | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |