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Shepherd HA, Yeates KO, Reed N, Caron JG, Schneider KJ, Emery CA, Black AM. Academic Accommodations for Middle and High School Students Following a Concussion: Perspectives of Teachers and School Administrators. J Sch Health 2023; 93:1099-1110. [PMID: 37386759 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An estimated 1 in 5 adolescents have sustained a concussion in North America. Teachers and school administrators are responsible for implementing academic accommodations and other supports for optimal return to learn following a concussion. The primary objective of this study was to describe the prevalence and feasibility of providing academic accommodations to students following concussion from the perspectives of middle and high school teachers and school administrators. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was administered to teachers and school administrators (grades 7-12) across Canada online via REDCap. Participants were recruited via word-of-mouth and social media sampling. Survey responses were analyzed descriptively using proportions. RESULTS The survey was completed by 180 educators (138 teachers and 41 school administrators), of whom 86% had previously provided academic accommodations to students following concussion, and 96% agreed that students should have access to accommodations following concussion. Some accommodations (eg, breaks, extra time) were provided more often and were more feasible to provide than others (eg, no new learning, reduced bright light). Educators reported limited preparation time and limited school personnel support to assist students following concussion. IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY The most feasible accommodations should be prioritized, ensuring students are supported within the school environment. CONCLUSIONS Teachers and school administrators confirmed the importance of providing accommodations to students following concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather A Shepherd
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Keith O Yeates
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Nick Reed
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jeffrey G Caron
- School of Kinesiology and Physical Activity Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation, Montreal, Canada
| | - Kathryn J Schneider
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Sport Medicine Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Evidence Sport and Spine, Calgary, Canada
| | - Carolyn A Emery
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Amanda M Black
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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