ASCD and the Whole Child

Children are one fourth of the world's population and represent a critical part of the future. CDC and its partners understand that a child's health directly affects how he or she thinks, behaves, socializes and learns.

ASCD*, a CDC partner, recognized that the epidemic of dropouts challenges the nation's economic and civic health. To combat this epidemic, ASCD convened the Commission on the Whole Child, a group of experts from a wide range of fields and disciplines—including public health—concerned about students.

Through the commission, ASCD developed a new public engagement and advocacy initiative to educate the "whole child." The initiative calls upon educators, parents, policymakers and business leaders to ensure that, in their community

• Every student enters school healthy and learns about and practices a healthy lifestyle.
• Every student learns in an intellectually challenging environment that is physically and emotionally safe for students and adults.
• Every student is actively engaged in learning and is connected to the school and broader community.
• Every student has access to personalized learning and to qualified, caring adults.
• Every graduate is prepared for success in college or further study and for employment in a global environment.

In response to ASCD's initiative, CDC recently organized a symposium to address the role of public health in the initiative. A cross-agency team continues to explore potential options for public health.

About ASCD

Founded in 1943, ASCD is an educational leadership association that represents more than 175,000 educators from 119 countries and nearly 60 affiliates who advocate sound policies and share best practices to achieve the success of each learner.

More Information

• ASCD
• Whole Child