The Common Core State Standards are more rigorous than past education standards, attempting to help students reach graduation ready for their next life steps. To succeed in college and careers, students need a strong educational foundation, and schools try to provide that. However, absorbing information requires not only a bright mind but a sound one. In fact, students' well-being is a big part of their schooling, and when they aren't emotionally supported, they may not meet their full potential.
What is well-being?
Well-being is a broad category that includes things that make students feel emotionally safe and connected at school. This may include having friends in class, feeling that teachers and parents care about them or knowing they're safe. Ideally, students don't have to deal with stress outside of their schoolwork or worry about things like bullies or not fitting in. However, schools can't control all wellness factors, though they do try.
For instance, schools create rules that promote student well-being. They may also implement programs, have counselors, provide support for struggling students or reach out to parents. Schools may also provide teacher training to help educators learn how to support students.
Tracking well-being by state
In an effort to bring awareness to the importance of well-being in student success, the Annie E. Casey Foundation publishes the annual Kids Count report. The study looks at factors of well-being and ranks states based on the quality of their schools' atmospheres and ability to support kids. The report looks at educational, economic, health, and family and community factors when compiling data. For instance, how much parents earn, whether students are in school and poverty rates make up the economic side of the well-being category. Preschool attendance, reading scores and graduation rates all go into the education category.
According to the 2014 report, Massachusetts, Vermont and Iowa ranked in the top three for best well-being scores, while Nevada, New Mexico and Mississippi ranked in the bottom.
While not all states have an outstanding overall wellness score, the report noted that the country as a whole has made strides. For example, the study said that more students are going to preschool, and math and reading scores are on the rise thanks to efforts like the Common Core. Public health insurance, more community activism in making schools safe and better anti-drug programs have improved student health. Despite these positive changes, the report names inequality as a problem that still needs attention.
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