In Case You Haven't Heard…

Abstract

Schools are facing a growing threat from extreme heat, says a new report from the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Network for Resilient PK‐12 Schools in Extreme Climates. The report warns that extreme heat is increasingly affecting students' health, well‐being and ability to learn. The report, “Schools, Climate, and Health: Responding to Extreme Heat,” notes that many school buildings lack adequate cooling systems, making students and educators vulnerable during increasingly frequent and intense heat waves. “Psychological science demonstrates that extreme heat exposure can impact students' attention, memory and ability to learn, underscoring why schools need to plan now to safeguard learning and promote student health and academic outcomes,” APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., Ph.D., stated in an APA news release. Drawing on research linking heat exposure to impaired attention, memory and learning, the report urges schools and districts to strengthen heat‐response plans and take steps to protect students and staff, including creating district‐level accountability for extreme heat preparation. The report also notes that children from low‐income families may face disproportionate risks from extreme heat exposure.