Schools must adapt to extreme heat in a warming world, report urges
Heat waves pose a growing threat to learning, health and well-being in schools as extreme heat becomes more frequent and intense across the United States, finds a report by the American Psychological Association and the Network for Resilient PK–12 Schools.
A new report from the American Psychological Association highlights the increasing threat of extreme heat to the well-being and academic performance of students and educators in U.S. schools. As heat waves become more frequent and intense, schools need to adapt their practices to protect children's health, safety, and learning.
Psychological science shows that exposure to extreme heat can impair students' attention, memory, and ability to learn. With many students and educators spending hours in hot school buildings without proper cooling, and engaging in physical activities outdoors, the risks are significant.
The report stresses that extreme heat disproportionately affects vulnerable populations like young children and low-income families. It can cause acute symptoms such as dehydration and nausea, and long-term effects include elevated stress hormones, disrupted sleep, inflammation, and impaired cardiovascular and immune functioning.
Researchers also found links between heat and mental health issues in children and adolescents, including increased emergency department visits for mood disorders, self-harm, and suicidality. Educators are also at risk from prolonged heat stress, which can lead to physical, cognitive, and emotional exhaustion, potentially contributing to burnout.
To address these risks, the report offers several recommendations for school districts, including developing comprehensive heat plans, monitoring temperature thresholds, providing targeted protections, and adjusting activities and instruction during extreme heat. By implementing these steps, schools can create a safer, healthier learning environment for all students and educators, mitigating the detrimental impacts of extreme heat.
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