American College Health Association (ACHA)’s Post

Terrific advice from our very own Brennan Barnard. Our personal favorite: "The truth is, as parents, this is not our news. Whether the admission decision is affirming or disappointing, take a supporting, not leading, role. Their outcome is not a referendum on our parenting, so before you post the decision on social media or tell friends and family, check with your applicant." #collegeadmissions #collegeapplications #earlydecision

The last few years (since 2020) has wiped out a decade of gradual progress in narrowing the attainment gap between students from more and less affluent backgrounds. If the next government is going to get back on track, it will need a long-term national strategy to tackle pressing issues such as increasing school hunger and persistent school absence. ⬇ The Sutton Trust's second policy briefing includes a ten-point plan to close the attainment gap:

🚨 NEW: Our new briefing on the attainment gap warns that inequalities in education are a ticking time bomb for social mobility. The briefing, which is the second in our series of General Election policy briefings, looks at the gap in outcomes between poorer pupils and their wealthier peers - known as the attainment gap.   The gap had been decreasing throughout the early 2010s, but disruption caused by the pandemic has led to it now widening to levels last seen in 2011. With the cost of living crisis, high rates of persistent absence and rising mental health issues among pupils, it is possible that the gap could widen even further.   At its heart, it is caused by underlying poverty and exacerbated by issues with school funding, school admissions, and unequal access to quality teachers.   Schools cannot fix the underlying inequalities alone, but they are increasingly expected to fill in gaps in the wider social safety net. Our previous research has highlighted the serious issues schools are dealing with, such as an increase in the number of pupils coming to school hungry.   If there is to be any chance of improving social mobility for the next generation, the gap must be closed. We are calling on the next government to develop a long-term national strategy to close it 👇 https://lnkd.in/e3cakduz

Observed an unusual benefit tonight I hadn't considered before of having one child home educating/online school and the other temporarily out of school - both watching the election coverage with me for at least an hour 10-11pm, completely instigated by them 😍 Whoever thinks all learning must take place in a school building, needs to take a good look at the alternatives first. Then question why mainstream schools are not working for so many children currently. It certainly isn't because they don't want to learn! Also, despite being 10 and 12 neither have any real clue as to how our government is formed, difference between national and local government, difference between prime minister in UK (first amongst equals) and a presidential system like the US. How the voting system works, and why it is important to use your vote when you are eligible for one. This is not because I haven't discussed such topics with them before, I have and do explain such things and have done since they were little and came to the polling station with me. I have a lot of knowledge, being a politics graduate, and they have obviously picked up enough of our politics talk at home to be interested. But they have not been taught much about politics at school as far as I can tell. They know about the stone age, the iron age, the vikings and the Romans though - not saying that history isn't important, but surely the curriculum needs a widescale review to determine whether our children are being taught topics and areas that are likely to significantly impact their current and future lives. How much of the curriculum is there because that's the way it was when the national curriculum was created in the 1980s? How much critical analysis is going on at the top to discover why there are record numbers of children currently out of mainstream school either permanently or intermittently? #Education #UKGeneralElection #SelfDirectedEducation #HomeEducation #SENDCrisis #Neurodivergence

Today across the UK, we will cast our vote to elect a new government - the polling stations open at 7.00 am (don't forget to take your photo ID). Voting in general elections is a fundamental democratic right that allows citizens to influence the direction of their government and society. It is a powerful tool for accountability, ensuring that elected officials represent the will of the people. The significance of this right is underscored by the historical struggle of the suffragettes, who fought tirelessly for women's right to vote. Their dedication and sacrifices remind us that the ability to participate in elections should not be taken for granted. By voting, we honor their legacy and contribute to the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice in our society. Also, when we each reflect on the importance of being part of a society that treats people with dignity and respect, let's focus on building bridges that connect migration and wellbeing towards achieving more inclusive societies. Interested in this topic- read a new book published by Routledge -

Today, Fedcap's Community Impact Policy Institute released an important new report on rising child anxiety. It delves into how anxiety can significantly impact a child's school attendance and academic performance and explores effective, data-driven interventions to address this issue. Full report here: https://lnkd.in/gPpRMdq3

A young person’s brain functions differently from an adult’s, including how they process cause and effect. A child or a young person is more likely to connect their behaviour with a consequence when both occur within a very short time. The longer the time period between both actions, the less effective the consequence will be. The Childrens Court of Queensland’s Annual Report 2022–23 included data about the number of days taken to finalise convicted charges of young people each year. It shows that charges are finalised within an average of three months in the Magistrate’s Court and almost a year in the Children’s Court of Queensland. These timeframes mean a young people’s brain is not effectively connecting their behaviour with the consequence they receive, which limits their opportunity to learn accountability for their actions and change their behaviour. This then affects their likelihood to reoffend. When we embed child and brain development into youth justice policy and practice, we will get better outcomes for young people in need of support and for Queenslanders affected by youth offending.

We've just released the second in our new series of briefings ahead of the upcoming election, looking at the attainment gap – the gap in educational outcomes between students from more and less affluent backgrounds. During the early 2010s, the gap across all school stages had been narrowing gradually. However, this progress stalled in 2017, before the pandemic altered the landscape considerably. Since 2020, the attainment gap has widened notably, with 10 years of progress in closing the gap wiped out in just a few years. While there has been broad support across the political spectrum for efforts to reduce the gap, it has not been a major issue in political debate. But the issue is a ticking time bomb for future social mobility. This briefing outlines existing evidence on the attainment gap, including how it is measured, how it has changed over time, as well as the long-term impacts for both individuals and the wider economy. It also examines the underlying factors preventing lower income young people from meeting their potential, with recommendations on what the next government can do to work towards closing the gap for good. Read it here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/ezaG9sSS

Is a degree worth it? That is the conversation teenagers are having with their parents right now. And why wouldn't they? Politicians argue about it, the media focus on the cost, and employers are removing degree requirements in swathes. Institutions have to be part of that conversation. You have to be prepared to answer this question openly, honestly, and with conviction. And if you're not ready to sell the value in a way that resonates... just, well. So, how do you answer that question?

Women’s health is not a single picture – it is unique for each person and population. This #MinorityHealthMonth, it’s important to acknowledge the health disparities facing many historically marginalized communities. Did you know that about 80% of a person’s health is affected by factors beyond the doctor’s office? For example, due to social and economic factors and structural barriers, Black women are more likely to die from stroke, heart disease and several cancers than women of other racial and ethnic groups.      But these disparities are not destiny. At CVS Health, our commitment to women is regardless of background or identity. We’re working to meet women’s needs wherever they are, from our CVS MinuteClinics to directly in communities. With access to resources and supportive care, all women can live their healthiest lives.      Learn more about the state of health today and how we can improve access to quality care for all: https://lnkd.in/eBKz_sM5